Why Warriors lie down and die
About the Cover
The cover photograph is of Witiyana Marika, one of the founding members of the Yothu Yindi band. In the photo Witiyana is playing the bilma - traditional clap sticks. Bilma are used to set the rhythm when songlines are sung. This happens in most ceremonies. The rhythm helps unlock the information that has been encoded in the songline in much the same way as reading a book. This method of recording has been used by Yolngu to capture all their history as well as the educational material to be taught to students in all areas of life.
The sound produced by the bilma is a familiar one in Yolngu communities. Unfortunately today the sound of the bilma is heard most often during funerals rather than in the teaching of information to the wider population of Yolngu society.
The photograph was taken by Mr Bob Cross at Yirrkala on 17 June 2000 for use on the cover of this book.
Cover design was by Nick Brenner of NBFILMS
