A FICTIONALISED children's story of the sometimes disputed origins of Australian football, namely Marngrook, is on the bookshelves.
Written by author Titta Secombe, from the Djab-Wurrung and Jardwadjali clans of the Grampians region of north-west Victoria, Marngrook: The long-ago story of Aussie Rules takes place at the foot of Duwul, the highest mountain in the Grampians, the traditional country of Secombe's people.
A clan elder, Wawi, after noticing his son, Jaara, and his friends only have old toys to play with, makes a ball out of a banya' (possum) skin. Wawi stuffs it with emu feathers and fashions it into a ball before sewing it all together with kangaroo tendons.
The kids love their new toy and spend hours kicking and catching it.
Secombe has a connection to the anccient game. She grew up hearing her elders tell the story of Marngrook, the game played by her ancestors. Her book is her interpretation of this story.
Secombe has for many years worked in education and sports programs to develop the talents of young Indigenous football players.
The book's illustrator Grace Fielding grew up on the Wandering Mission near Perth in WA. She has illustrated several children’s books and is celebrated for her traditional and contemporary art styles.
In Marngrook, she blends the traditional with modern techiques.
A helpful word glossary in Marngrook helps readers learn how to pronounce traditional Aboriginal words throughout the book.
Marngrook: The long-ago story of Aussie Rules
Published by Magabala Books
RRP $16.95
AboriginalFootball@westnet.com.au
Last Modified on 28/05/2012 12:41