Sketches of Australian Life and Scenery Complete in 12 Plates - Plate Six: A Corrobory (sic), or Native Dance

Pleased be advised that the subject of this work includes images of deceased people, it also includes words and descriptive terms that may be offensive to Indigenous Australians.  This work is presented as part of the record of the past; contemporary users should interpret the work within that context.


Sketches of Australian Life and Scenery Complete in 12 Plates

Plate Six: A Corrobory (sic), or Native Dance

Caption: The Aboriginals uncivilised as they undoubtedly are, still enjoy themselves in their own way.  Their songs, and corrobory (sic) are proofs of their environment.  The men form themselves into a half circle, with spears in their hands, they shout a wild shrill song, at the same time throwing their bodies into grotesque shapes.  The females beat very good time on their Opossum rugs as a substitute for drums. The sound of their voices is anything but musical, to them perhaps it is sweet music, although we do not understand the notes which make them merry, nor the sentiments which excite them.

Artist: Loosely based on drawings by S.T. Gill, including some plates from The Australian sketchbook. 

Provenance: Sketches of Australian Life and Scenery Complete in 12 Plates
Contributor: Paul Jerrard & Son
Contributor: Messrs. Newbold & Co.
Date of Publication: ca. 1865
Published by: Paul Jerrard & Son for the proprietors Messrs. Newbold & Co.
Place of Publishing: London (170 Fleet Street)
Copyright status: This work is out of copyright
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