STORY - Snake Vine Dreaming

'Ngalyipi' (snake vine) is a green creeper which curls its tendrils around the trunks and branches of trees and has many uses. Traditionally it was used as strap to carry fire wood or as a cure for headaches when wrapped very tightly around the head. 'Ngalypi' was also used to tie 'witi' (ceremonial) poles to the legs of the young intiates. The women danced and sang at the ceremony and then had to look away and block their ears when the men danced. The 'witi' ceremony happened at night under the stars.