Corroboree

What is Corroboree?

A corroboree is a gathering of Aboriginal Australians that features dance, music, and often elaborate body painting and adornment. These gatherings can be festive, sacred, or even warlike in character. The dances are performed by groups and may include displays of individual skill. Songs, stories, and skill demonstrations are often part of the event, making it both a social and cultural occasion.

Where does Corroboree come from?

The word 'corroboree' was adopted by British settlers from the Dharug language word 'garaabara', which referred to a style of dancing. Over time, it became a general term in Australian English for Aboriginal gatherings involving dance and music. Corroborees have long served as venues for cultural exchange, storytelling, and the sharing of knowledge among Aboriginal groups. In the 19th century, large public corroborees were sometimes held for non-Indigenous audiences.

How is Corroboree danced?

Corroboree dances are performed by groups, with participants often painted and adorned in ways not used in daily life. The dances can be dramatic or celebratory, and may showcase individual skill or group coordination. The movement patterns, gestures, and formations vary depending on the occasion and the group, but the focus is on storytelling and cultural expression through dance.

The music of Corroboree

Music at a corroboree typically includes singing and rhythmic accompaniment, though the specific instruments are not detailed in the sources. Songs are an important part of the event, with chanting and storytelling woven into the performance. The music helps set the mood, whether the gathering is festive, sacred, or ceremonial.

Costume and what is carried

Dancers at a corroboree often decorate their bodies with paint in various patterns and wear special adornments that are not part of everyday dress. These decorations can be unique to the occasion or group and help distinguish the event as special. The use of body paint and adornment is a key visual element of the corroboree.

When and where Corroboree is danced

Corroborees are held for many reasons, including sacred ceremonies, festive celebrations, and community gatherings. They can mark important events, serve as a space for cultural exchange, or simply bring people together. In the past, corroborees have also included sporting events and skill displays. Participation and attendance can vary widely depending on the occasion.

Styles of Corroboree

The form and meaning of a corroboree can differ greatly across regions and groups in Australia. Some are highly ceremonial, while others are more social or even competitive. The word has also taken on broader meanings in modern Australian English, sometimes describing large gatherings or sports carnivals.

What Corroboree means

Corroborees are central to Aboriginal Australian cultural life, serving as a means of sharing stories, songs, and traditions. They have also been occasions for trade and social interaction. In the colonial period, some corroborees were performed for non-Indigenous audiences, drawing large crowds. The term continues to hold cultural significance and is sometimes used for modern gatherings.

Questions people ask about Corroboree

Good reading and sources

• Encyclopaedia BritannicaArticle

• Corroboree on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos and video on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos and video
• Wikidata recordOpen data
• Videos of Corroboree on YouTubeSearch results, not chosen by Ghungroo