Traditional Corroboree

Australia has a tradition of meetings that stretches back for over 40,000 years. These meetings were called "corroborees."

A corroboree is a very special, very ancient Aboriginal ceremony - an event where tribe members would come together and celebrate their culture through song and dance.

Participants would often travel vast distances through the wilderness to arrive at a ceremony. Once there, they would paint traditional designs on their bodies, and dance to the sound of ancient instruments (such as the clapper sticks, or the didgeridoo).

Coroborrees were primarily celebrations of tradition and spirituality, but they also served more pragmatic functions.

At a corroboree, tribal leaders would trade, share information, debate, and make important decisions.

This event played - and still plays - an important part in Aboriginal societies. It passes down, from one generation to the next, information that dates back to before recorded history.

Some of the traditional dances are sacred - only certain tribe members can participate and watch. Others are performed freely.

So, when you come to Australia to share information and insights with your colleagues - to participate in a modern corroboree - why not visit the Aboriginal people and learn about traditional corroborees?

You and your team may be lucky enough to be invited by the elders to watch one yourselves.

Places to learn about corroborees:

  Cairns
  Canberra
  Northern Territory
  Sunshine Coast
  Sydney
  Townsville