Page:The Native Tribes of South Australia (1879).djvu/94

 32 NGIA-NGIAMPE. CHAPTER IV. TRIBAL CUSTOMS. SECTION I. CHIEFSNGIA-NGIAMPE. EACH of the tribes of the Narrinyeri has its chief, whose title is Rupulle (which means landowner), who is their leader in war, and whose person is carefully guarded in battle by the warriors of his clan. The Rupulle is the negotiator and spokesman for the tribe in all disagreements with other tribes; and his advice is sought on all occasions of difficulty or perplexity. His authority is supported by the heads of families, and he is expected always to reside on the hunting grounds of the tribe. The Rupulle used to possess the right to divide the animals taken in the chase amongst the other heads of families, but this is seldom observed now. The chieftainship is not hereditary, but elective. The deceased chiefs brother, or second son, is quite as eligible for the dignity as the eldest son, if the heads of families prefer him. For instance, Peter, who is the Rupulle of the Point Malcolm tribe, was not, I believe, the eldest son of his father, nor yet the most warlike or athletic, but was chosen by his tribe for his wisdom, moderation, and good temper. But it is not always that a tribe exercises its power so discreetly. When a dispute arises it is generally settled by the stronger party having their way. If it is doubtful which is the stronger, they have a fight with waddies till one or the other is beaten. But the most real authority exercised by the chief and his supporters is enforced by means of witchcraft. If any young men or women attempt a departure from the customs of their forefathers they are immediately threatened with ngadhungi, or millin, and this usually restrains them. Ngia-ngiampe. —There appears to have existed a sort of traffic between the tribes on the Murray and those near the sea, and a