Aboriginal men from the Murwangi region of northern Australia shared some of their rituals Tuesday with a National Aquarium audience.
Standing alongside a replica of a 1 billion-year-old gorge, Michael Dawu and Jimmy Djamambar performed traditional dances and played the didgeridoo ? the world?s oldest wind instrument.
In accordance with ancient decrees, Dawu choreographs and performs dance routines for his clan?s ceremonies and has received international acclaim for his skills. Djamambar is a senior clan leader of the Yolngu people. Through songs, paintings and rituals, he has learned Yolngu laws, ceremonies and the history of his land.
Their visit to the Inner Harbor opened the National Aquarium?s new exhibit, Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extremes. The $74.6 million exhibit includes more than 150 plants and 1,800 animals representing 120 different species indigenous to Djamambar and Dawu?s homes, halfway around the world.
