turndun

English

Alternative forms

tundun

Etymology

From Kurnai tŭndūn (“turndun”), from Tŭndūn (“the man”), mythical direct ancestor of the Kurnai and inventor of the turndun, whom the greater turndun represents (the lesser representing Rukut Tŭndūn (“wife of the man”)), son of the great spirit Mūngan-ngaur (“our father”), who, according to myth, taught the Kurnai all of their arts.

Noun

turndun (plural turnduns)

(Australia) A bullroarer.

Usage notes

Specific to Kurnai Aboriginal tradition.