Culture at Lockhart River

Dance		Adelaide Festival Group 2002
It is predominantly the young people of the state school that continue the tradition of dance. The elders assist in the preparations by coming to the school before large events to make the dance costumes. Dress consists of grass skirts, arm and chest bands, head bands and necklaces. Different markings represent various animals and totems. The children are continually invited to dance at major festivals and events throughout Australia and overseas.

	Punya		made from woven grass (dilly bag) - pictured right
	Ulku		made from palm tree
	Unchi		made from paper bark
	Lawyer cane basket		made from woven lawyer cane and pandanus

'Kuluup Shakers' are another instrument used for dance, held in the hand by musicians or dancers. The handles are what differentiate the community members who make them depending on what materials are available and what particular style they have.

Necklaces from this region are made from local shells, seeds and beads found throughout the area. Shells are called 'akul' in language and the red beads found on vines throughout the rainforest are called 'giddy giddy beads'. Theses are the main two features of Lockhart necklaces but other seeds are often mixed with these.

The "old girls" are regular workers at the Art Centre. They are always out collecting materials for basket making. They also visit regularly with the students at the school and take them out collecting pandanas leaves and shells.