Makuru (Jun & Jul)
The First Rains. Fertility Season. Time to travel to inland hunting areas.
Click the sound file to hear the Nyungar word:
People would shelter up in the forests in the ranges and escarpments away from the fierce winter storms coming up off the southern ocean. Nyungars moved to inland forests and hunting areas once the rains had replenished inland water resources. Tuberous plants (Tribonanthes sp) were collected. Kuljak (swans) began moulting making them unable to fly and easy to catch. By holding a smouldering Poolgarla branch (bull banksia, Banksia grandis) beneath their Bookas (Yonga skin cloaks) Nyungars were able to keep warm.
Booka Photo Western Australian Museum