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Clip description
A kadaitja man (magic man) points the Death Bone at Jubbal (Ed Devereaux). The wanted man (Kamahl) farewells his woman (Julie Williams) and surrenders to Peterson (Konrad Matthaei).
Curator’s notes
Pointing the bone, or 'boning’, is an Aboriginal vengeance ritual steeped in mystery and frequent misunderstanding. Its dramatic purpose here is to show the deep conflict in Jubbal. He is portrayed as a traitor to his people for helping remove an Arrernte man from the tribe. As a member of the police force he is carrying out the orders of his white superiors. The wanted man’s willing surrender makes no difference to Jubbal’s position. His silent exchange with the chief near the end of the sequence shows Jubbal is aware that his life may soon be over.
