Letter from John Bulmer 26 October 1881

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Transcription - Page 2

[right column]

male of any kind, and the
Kulong is merely expressive of
a male, so the word altogether
will mean men of the east
when they intend women they
say Kroatun Worcut or
Yactun Worcut, women of the
east or the west as the
case may be. Blacks I find
always speak distinctly as
to genders. They speak of
Brajeracks & Lowajeracks
they seem to have no word
equal to our Mankind to
express men & women but
men are spoken of separately
and so are the women.
This I think you may safely
take as the true meaning
of Kroatunkolong or its
opposite.

[left side of the page, on side]

You ask if I refer to the Kurnai when I speak of
a lot of men sitting around a rude figure
of a man on the ground and singing some
one who is is obnoxious to them. This only
refers to the Kurnai. I do not remember
if the Waimbio did so.

With kind regards to Mrs Howitt in which
Mrs Bulmer joins
I remain
faithfully yours
John Bulmer

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Document Details

Date 26 Oct 1881
Letter From Bulmer, Reverend John
Letter To Howitt, Alfred William
Author
Country Australia
Colony/State Victoria
Holding Institution Museums Victoria
Collection Name Alfred W. Howitt Collection
Registration Number XM 88
Medium Letter
Region Gippsland
Locality Lake Tyers
Summary Content of the letter largely relates to Kurnai group of Gippsland with references to the Marawara cultural group. Discusses language and translates several words. Provides some information regarding Kurnai sorcery (figures of a man on the ground; and 'singing some one who is obnoxious to them'). Reverend Bulmer also writes noting that he would be pleased if A.W. Howitt could visit Lake Tyers to discuss various matters.
Physical Description Letter, handwritten in ink. Single folded sheet; three pages. Signed and dated. Condition: good.