36 AUSTRALIA AND THE AUSTRALIANS. 



THE CORROBBOREE. 



The corrobboree is a great native dance and theat- 

 rical performance combined, in which several tribes 

 take part. 



It is usually held when peace is established between 

 tribes which had been previously on bad terms. 



It is common to all Australian tribes, although there 

 is great difference in the performances. 



It always takes place at night, several fires being 

 kindled to thoroughly light up the scene. The women 

 seat themselves in a body chanting a corrobboree song, 

 while beating most perfect time on their opossum rugs 

 rolled up tight. 



Suddenly the dancers make their appearance. Com- 

 ing out of the gloom of the forest into the bright light, 

 each having his body striped with pipe-clay, so as 

 to resemble, as nearly as possible, a skeleton, with 

 large bunches of green leaves tied tightly about his 

 ankles, which make a peculiar rustling noise as he 

 dances. They become more and more excited, and 

 with loud shouting advance toward their leader, who, 

 chanting the song, retreats backward a little in 

 advance of the dancers till the large fire is reached, 

 when all at the same moment cease dancing and begin 

 stamping with their right feet till a cloud of dust 



