topics
tools
Expatica countries
Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2270.63 -0.42
DAX 6788.8 0.59
IBEX 30 8902.1 0.60
CAC 40 3424.71 0.43
FTSE 100 5895.47 0.33
AEX 325.12 -0.06
DJIA 12890.46 0.05
Nasdaq 2927.23 0.39
FTSE MIB 16653.83 -0.09
TSX Composite 12497.94 -0.18
ASX 4322.6 -0.79
Hang seng 20760.03 -1.19
Straits Times 2963.44 -0.59
ISEQ 20 503.71 0.33
You are here: Home News French News Aboriginal elder exorcises Australian embassy
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size


16/06/2005Aboriginal elder exorcises Australian embassy

PARIS, June 16 (AFP) - Australia's embassy in Paris has been cleansed of evil spirits through a smoke ceremony conducted by an Aboriginal elder flown in especially to "protect" people viewing a new indigenous art exhibition.  

Journalists and guests watched late Wednesday as Pansy Nugit chanted over a small fire lit in the centre of the embassy's large lobby where the exhibition was taking place, while her niece, Rachel White, sprinkled water on the flames to fill the space with smoke.  

"This is to scare away the spirits, make sure they don't come into your nightmares," Nugit told AFP, her face dotted with traditional white paint.  

The ceremony, presented by ambassador Penelope Wensley, marked the opening of the "Mamaa: The Untouchable Ones" exhibition of paintings by the Ngarinyin aboriginal tribe from northwest Australia's remote Kimberley Ranges.  

According to the tribe's beliefs, spirits represented in the works can haunt the dreams of people who see them unless they are warded off with the smoke ritual.  

The Australian embassy was hosting the exhibition to draw attention to the contribution of Aboriginal works to a new museum of primitive art from different countries that France is building nearby.  

The Quai Branly Museum, to open early next year, will feature hundreds of Aboriginal paintings and artefacts and incorporates works by eight Aboriginal artists in its design.

© AFP

Subject: French News



0 reactions to this article

0 reactions to this article

Discussion Forums

Jobs in France

IFAs / FSIs / Country Managers / Confidential Introducers

Immigration and Legal Problems

Blocked Sewer Line outside property boundary - who pays ?

Sporting Events in France

Counter Strike!

Community Noticeboard France | Expat Events

migration to belgium!

Americans in France

Expatriate Events in Paris

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Management culture in France

Management culture in France

This handy guide from Expertise in Labour Mobility includes information on business hierarchy, negotiations, and etiquette.

American associations and clubs in Paris

American associations and clubs in Paris

A listing of organizations in the Paris area that cater primarily to Americans living in France. Updated April 2011.

British associations and clubs in Paris

British associations and clubs in Paris

Our handy guide to the British community in Paris, from cricket clubs to Scottish country dancing lessons to where to find a jar of Marmite.

Anglophone services in France

Anglophone services in France

Here's a short introduction to our Banking section for those living in France, from how to open a bank account to Islamic banking and investments.