Ron Davis  

The Wurundieri welcoming ceremony by Ron Davis

February 2025 - The Wurundieri welcoming ceremony

About the Image(s)

The Wurundieri people are the traditional owners of the grounds that the Melbourne Cricket Ground occupy. It is customary that its representatives welcome the international cricket teams to their land, in this case it was Australia v Pakistan in a 50 over cricket match. To me this is a very moving ceremony as we know they were displaced by the overwhelming might of western civilization in very unpleasant way, brute force.
In the photo we see the didgeridoo player and young boy. I have witnessed this ceremony on many occasions but on this time I detected the small boy sitting at the back of the player. The boy maintained this pose through the entire ceremony, I was puzzled was this the look of the innocence of these people and a helplessness that afflicted these people almost 200 years ago. I was also intrigued why the young boys didgeridoo was just left lying by his side, was this a further message?

Camera Panasonic Lumix DMC FZ150, Focal length 540mm, 35mm equivalent, 1/1300 F4.8, ISO 160
Process with Topaz AI Photo. Photoshop Auto.

6 comments posted

Leslie Larson   Leslie Larson
Interesting shot. It looks crooked to me, like you should straighten it up a bit. But maybe he was leaning on the didgeridoo? The child looks tired and bored to death. "Dad, do we have to do this again?" I don't get any message other than that. My guess is he wasn't thinking about 200 years of oppression, more about playing with his mates.   Posted: 02/08/2025 17:50:05
Jen Fawkes   Jen Fawkes
Yes an interesting perspective on the 'welcome to country' ceremony. Without the dialogue I'm not sure that most non-aussies would understand what you were trying to share but as an Aussie I think you have captured a special moment with the young lad. Perhaps if you were lower (I get that this would not be possible at the MCG) then you might capture a little of the crowds behind. This lad seems to appear in a lot of places. He, and his family did the welcome dance at the Australia Day protest and he just wandered around the stage being cute!   Posted: 02/13/2025 15:36:53
Tom Brott   Tom Brott
Ron, The technical aspects and color of this image appear to be right on. I am not sure the the image has a slant to it but rather the man is leaning somewhat forward so the didgeridoo's sounds are picked up by the mike. The field looks level. I also like the youth's bored / non caring expression. The design on the youth's didgerudoo is also very interesting.
I have just read that some venues are doing away with or curtailing this ceremony in future event matches.   Posted: 02/15/2025 14:42:57
Ron Davis   Ron Davis
Yes you are correct Tom. NRL (National Rugby League) Australia's national competition is dropping for this year last I heard. The AFL (Australian Football League) Australian football, was formed out of an Australian Aboriginal ceremonial game called Marngrook probably the oldest ball game in history. The AFL will probably maintain this ceromony for certain football matches, its not overdone IMO. Australian Football is only played in Australia that's why it has little world wide coverage. To Australian Aborigines Marngrook was not just a game, it was a chance for young males and females to play with each other with the prospect of marriage. A very fascinating culture as I am sure your American Indians are as well. Unfortunately Western values has swamped them and they have had to struggle to have their tradional lifestyles recognised in any form. Photo of event larger format.   Posted: 02/15/2025 17:29:57
Comment Image
Tom Brott   Tom Brott
On our several trips to Australia we have been lucky enough to see several games in person of rugby and Australian Rules Football. I loved them. While traveling as well we saw some of the games on TV. It is really a shame what society is doing in regards to native culture and rituals all over the world.   Posted: 02/15/2025 18:38:55
Muthoni Ngatia   Muthoni Ngatia
Interesting perspective on this cultural practice. Was the young man also going to play? I notice an instrument at his feet.   Posted: 02/21/2025 08:42:24

 

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