338 
CEREMONY OF WHAREPIN. 
and commenced plucking the hair from the pubes. 
At intervals, the operators were relieved by others 
of both sexes, and of various ages ; little children 
under ten, were sometimes but not frequently offi- 
ciating. When all the hair had been pulled out, 
that belonging to each native was carefully rolled up 
in green boughs, the three lots being put together, 
and given to one of the wise or inspired men to be 
put properly away ; bunches of green boughs were 
now placed under each arm of the boys as also in their 
hands, after which several natives took hold of them, 
and raised them suddenly and simultaneously to their 
feet, whilst a loudgutteralWhaugh was uttered by the 
other natives around. They were then disenchanted 
and the ceremony was over, but for some time after- 
wards, the initiated are obliged to sleep away from 
the camp, and are not allowed to see the women ; 
their heads and bodies are kept smeared with red 
ochre and grease, and tufts of feathers and kangaroo 
teeth are worn tied to the hair in front. One of the 
most singular circumstances connected with this 
ceremony, is that the natives who have officiated 
never afterwards mention the name of the young 
men, nor do the latter ever mention the names of the 
individuals who have operated upon them ; should 
the name of either be accidentally mentioned in the 
presence of the other, they are greatly annoyed, and 
at once put the hand up to the mouth to signify that 
it must not be spoken. It is thus often very diffi- 
cult to find out the names of particular natives, and 
