THE KEEPER - This picture takes pride of place on my wall at home. Taken at Gibb River Station in the Kimberley about 15 years ago. Reggie Tapao is the subject. He is a Keeper of Law, Ceremonies and Stories. Here Reggie sits proudly before Wanaliri (Rain Dreaming) after introducing me to the spirits as we entered by a ritual introduction in his native tongue. The site was visited by the Keeper annually and painted over to make the rain come. Reggie is showing me his ceremonial markings made by cutting the skin with a sharp stone. Each scare has a significant and individual meaning which tells other clansmen that he has been through various stages of ceremony. The markings also talk to the spirit and protect him in different circumstances so that he can do things and go places that others cant. I have never seen any other Elder with so many markings in my time, only in old pictures, so this shot is unique to me. I call it "The Keeper". I have one copy, no negative and no digital version apart from this snap shot of the framed version. This is the first time it has been on the web.
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Thread: The Keeper
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29th March 2014, 01:48 PM #1
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The Keeper
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29th March 2014, 02:33 PM #2
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Re: The Keeper
Nice image.
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29th March 2014, 02:51 PM #3
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Re: The Keeper
Great story Wayne for a special to you image
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29th March 2014, 03:23 PM #4
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- Binnur
Re: The Keeper
Very interesting story and photo
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29th March 2014, 03:34 PM #5Moderator
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Re: The Keeper
The look in his face speaks volumes for the trust he had that you respected his culture and its ceremonies and rituals. He just looks so comfortable and content with you photographing him. Wonderful.
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29th March 2014, 04:16 PM #6
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Re: The Keeper
Great story, great image. I can certainly see why you'd be proud to have it in your home.
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29th March 2014, 05:06 PM #7
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Re: The Keeper
First stanza..
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aSoGJQkKDYk
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29th March 2014, 06:18 PM #8
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Re: The Keeper
Great shot, given that it's irreplaceable you should probably have the image scanned.
How fortunate you were to have met this man and to have been given a glimpse into his world, and culture; one that goes back at least 50,000 years.
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29th March 2014, 06:42 PM #9
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Re: The Keeper
Interesting shot illustrating an interesting story. Good work.
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29th March 2014, 06:51 PM #10
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Re: The Keeper
Nice work, Wayne...I am glad he let you take his photo...and great story. He deserves a place in your home. The only aborigines I have seen in Melbourne were the drunks in the beach suburbs...
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