Red Bucket for the Red Cordial, Green Bucket for the Green Cordial: On the Logic and Logistics of Warlpiri Birthday Parties

Abstract

Birthday parties are a relatively new occurrence at Yuendumu, a Warlpiri settlement in central Australia. By focusing on the food prepared and consumed at these parties, I examine the ritualised Warlpiri and non-Warlpiri elements of these events, with a particular view to Warlpiri women's creativity in shaping and re-shaping them. I contrast birthday party food from everyday staple foods and so-called 'bush tucker', and analyse these different food types in regard to generational differentiation. Lastly, the role of the anthropologist in shaping birthday parties as well as in writing about them is scrutinised. Show more