102 
HORN EXPEDITION — ANTIIIIOPOLOOY. 
PAGE 
Tradition of Origan of Fire ..... 135 
Knocking ont of Teeth - . - . . . iSG 
Tlead-rings.—Perforation of tlie Nasal Septntn - - - IS 6 
Cowardice - - - - - - - - ISG 
Water-bags - - - - • - - ISG 
Tribal Government. 
The Arunt.a tribe is divided into groups or subdivisions, each being governed 
by an Alartunja or cliief ruler. The subdivision of which I write particularly is 
known as the Arunta-Ilpma.* The position may be hereditary and, in the case of 
this particular group, the title has descended in the direct line for four generations. 
The Alartunja, however, when dying, or when too old to lead, can nominate the 
relative he considers most fitted to do so. The Arunta tribe is scattei-ed over a 
great extent of country east and west and north and south of Alice Springs. Tlie 
boundaries of the dominion of each Alartunja are clearly understood, and all 
disputes are, within them, settled by him. In the case of the tribe being menaced 
by an enemy, the Alartunjas consult together and agree upon a leader, who for 
the time being is supreme. Occasionally the groups fight amongst themselves. 
Social Organisation of the Tribe and Some Laws Relating 
thereto. 
Tlie McDonnell Range tribe of which I am writing is divided into four 
classes, viz., Panunga, Purula, Pultarra, and Kumarra.f The Panunga and Purula 
cla.sses intermarry, but neither may marry nor cohabit with a Pultarra or Kumarra; 
these two latter classes intermarry. Any native breaking the class laws does so at 
the risk of his or her life. I have known instances where a breach of these laws 
was punished by death or severe mutilation. The women, especially, are severely 
dealt with, their lives not being considered of so much value as those of the men. 
The most contemptuous term in the native tongue is “ eterka” which signifies 
an adulterer or prostitute, or one who cohabits within the forbidden degrees or 
classes. 
* Since the above was written I have found that the word Ilpina or Ulpma aiiplies also to other groups whose 
language is not quite like that of the majority of the Arunta tril)e. 
t The sj'stem of orthograph}’ for native words i.s the same as that .adojited in my own jiapcr, I'idc Ai)pf'ndix I. 
-(E.C.S.). 
