HORN EXPEDITION—ANTHROPOLOGY. 
81 
st.atod by tlie.se that the markings represented a kind of programme of the festival, 
which is not at all unlikely. The perpetual recurrence of the concentric circles 
and arcs is very noticeable, as well as the general resemblance of many of the 
patterns. A perusal of Mr. Gillen’s paper will indicate other occasions on which 
these sticks are used—notably in the ceremonies of initiation of young men, and, 
as is well known, the weird noise made by the bull-roarer is used as a signal. The 
whole question in all its bearings is one of great interest, and I trust that Mr. 
Gillen’s later inquiries will throw more light upon the subject than I have been 
able to do. 
It may not be out of place if, before concluding this section, T briefly allude 
to some stones of the Churiha class, of unusual form, which belong to other tribes 
of Central Australia. These are in the possesion of Mr. Gillen, to whom I am 
indebted for the opportunity of describing them, as well as for the following 
particulars ; 
Churiiia of the Wangai. —Flat, generally oval slab of micaceous rock (3-|in. 
by 2iin.), margins on each side scored deeply with radially disposed cuts which, in 
some places, have extended to the whole thickness of the stone, thus allowing por¬ 
tions of the edge to break away, giving the stone an irregularly serrated outline. 
Incised patterns, chiefly concentric circles and arcs, on each side ; at one end a 
small round hole. 
Churifia of the Waagai (believed to be their Fighting-stone).—A very dark 
brown, oblately spheroidal, waterworn pebble (l |in. by lin.), which rests nearly 
buried in a small nest of loosely felted brown emu feathers. The surface 
appears artifically smoothed and polished, probably with much handling and 
grease. 
Churifia (Poison-stone) of the Kaitish {giative 7iame, I-turkivarifia'). —Oval, 
flat, semi-polished disc of micaceous rock (3 j;in. by 2in.), with the edges probably, 
artificially rounded. Colour, dark slate with tinge of brown. To the smaller 
end is attached, by means of brown resin, a string of human hair. According 
to Mr. Gillen’s account the stone is used as follows :—The stone being held in the 
palm of the right hand, the thumb of that hand is linked with the little finger of 
the left. The two hands thus linked together are held in front of the face and 
jerked three times towai’ds the person whom it is intended to kill, an incantation 
being uttered at the same time. 
Churifia (Fighting-stone) of the Warramunga. —A stone of somewhat similar 
character to the foregoing, but of smaller size. Colour, very dark brown or nearly 
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