Bunjil, a creator ancestral spirit of the Wurundjeri people, appeared as a wedge- tailed eagle. Bunjil fell from the Sky Country as a star and was then transformed into an eagle. Bunjil blew air from his beak, creating the earth, and then scratched at the soil with his sharp talons to create the first trees and plants. As Bunjil was returning to the Sky Country, he swooped on the branch of a gum tree that was lying on the earth. Bunjil shook the branch and created a snake called Mindi. Mindi became Bunjil’s brother and the lore giver. Mindi and Bunjil then created all the animals of their earth.
SkillBuilder discussion Historical significance 1. How did the Wurundjeri people’s Dreaming story describe the creation of the earth? 2. What does Bunjil represent? 3. Why do you think the eagle represents a
powerful ancestral spirit?
SOURCE3 Bunjil, appearing as the Australian wedge-tailed eagle. The wedge-tailed eagle is a symbol of strength and wisdom as it soars above the earth, seeing all below.
Did you know? The eagle has great spiritual significance for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples. The eagle is seen as a messenger between the earth and the gods because it is believed to fly higher than any other bird. They are also known for the strength of their vision, giving the eagle wisdom and foresight. The eagle’s ability to soar into the sky represents freedom and courage. The M̄aori people of New Zealand and the North American Lakota, Cree and Anishinaabe peoples also revere the eagle as a creator spirit.
2.3 SkillBuilder activity USING HISTORICAL SOURCES The Wandjina shown in SOURCE1 are very important ancestral beings, particularly to the people of the Kimberley region of Western Australia. They create the landscape, plants, animals and people. The Wandjina also control the weather, bringing water with the monsoon rains. The Wandjina gave people the rules of life, and the customs that must be kept to ensure harmony between people and nature. 1. Refer to SOURCES1 , 2 and 3 to reinforce your understanding of the significance of the Dreaming and the creation stories. 2. Working in groups, write a simple explanation of what you think the creation stories of the Dreaming help people to understand, and why they are of such importance. 3. Use SOURCE1 as the visual centrepiece for a poster promoting a museum exhibition of Australia’s Deep Time history. Write a short explanation of the place of the Wandjina in expressing Dreaming beliefs.
26 Jacaranda Humanities Alive 7 Victorian Curriculum Third Edition
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