World and Indigenous Culture

Reviewed by David Redman
Holding Yawulyu:
White Culture and
Black Women’s Law
Zohl De Ishtar(Spinifex Press, 2005)
This book looks at cross-cultural
interactions, and the complicated
and continuing effects the Kaytiya
(the white Euro-Australian)
have had on Aboriginal culture,
specifically in the remote
Wirrimanu area of Western
Australia. Looking at the mission
era (1939 to 1983) through to the present, “it is a story of White
religious, political and economic dominance characterised
by cultural ineptitude and political mismanagement” (p76).
Drawing on her own experience of living with Wirrimanu
women, the author looks at the struggle of the elders to
maintain their culture and their sacred Yawulya (women’s law).
One way in which the women did this was by forming
Kapululangu (women’s groups). Starting with a meeting in
1983, where 350 women from 30 communities came together
in ceremonial dancing and song, the Kapululangu initiative
was formed in the hope of strengthening cultural identity.
De Ishtar first became involved with the project in 1993,
permanently relocating in 1999 to help form the Kapululangu
tjiliami (woman’s camp). In a situation of administrative
chaos, limited or no funding and a male cultural dominance,
Kapululangu went from strength to strength. It was able
to run more meetings and ceremonies for people from all
over Australia, participate in international tours and provide
shelter for women in danger. Through a variety of techniques
such as dance, song, painting, hunting trips, and story telling,
Kapululango encouraged the transference of wisdom and
knowledge to the next generation.
Because of De Ishtar’s intimate relationship with the project,
this book gives insight into the misunderstanding and
undervaluation of indigenous knowledge, and the bureaucratic
incompetence, competition for resources and underhand
management techniques that communities put up with across
Australia.
De Ishtar also gives an understanding of what the loss of
cultural identity can lead to.
The problems of Wirrimanu, such as alcoholism, spousal abuse,
petrol sniffing and increased violence, are traced to a lack of
pride and sense of identity. Cultural erosion results in people
feeling they have no role within the community, a loss of
connection with the land, a loss of understanding of Tjukurrpa
(cosmology) – in other words a loss of respect for their Yawulyu.
Central to the book is the importance of being aware of the
cultural implications of even the most well intentioned plans,
and the importance of maintaining culture. A great book not
only for those interested in Aboriginal people but for anyone
working or dealing with other cultures as it allows us to review
our perceptions, how these perceptions may have been formed
and the effect these perceptions can have.

David Redman has a degree in Psychology from
Canterbury University and is currently studying towards
a Masters of Development at Massey University.