Page:Native Tribes of South-East Australia.djvu/745

XI being the straight-going ones; the same number of grass-tree spears (Gumma); one of each kind of shield, namely the Bemata, used for stopping spears, and the Millidu, used for club fighting; one club (Gujerung or Bundi), and one spear-thrower (Meara).

The women also engaged in this trade, exchanging opossum rugs, baskets, bags, digging-sticks (Tuali), etc.

Not only were these things bartered, but presents were made to friends and to the Headmen by the other men. The women also gave things to the wives of the Headmen. A Headman who was held in great esteem might have as many things given to him as he could well carry away.

Not only were articles which the people made themselves bartered, but also things which had some special value, and had perhaps been brought from some distant place. Such an instance I heard of at one of these meetings many years ago. An ancient shield had been brought originally from the upper waters of the Murrumbidgee River, and was greatly valued because, as my informant