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Turrbal and Yugara peoples

Bora Ring (Dhur)

A bora ring is a significant cultural site in Aboriginal traditions, particularly those of eastern and central Australia. It is a circular pit dug into the ground, often accompanied by smaller rings or mounds. These sites serve as sacred spaces for the initiation of young men into adulthood.

THE INITIATION RITUAL

The bora ring ceremony is a complex and symbolic ritual that typically involves the following steps:
1. Preparation: The bora ring is prepared by digging a circular pit and often creating a smaller ring or mound nearby. A “sacred way” is also established, connecting the two rings.
2. Gathering: Boys, usually between the ages of 12 and 15, are brought to the bora ring. They are accompanied by men, while women and children are kept at a distance.
3. Initiation: The boys are led along the sacred way to the bora ring. Men stand around the ring, singing and performing traditional rituals. The boys are then seated in pairs around the mound.
4. Symbolic Actions: A female relative stands behind each boy. Men enter the bora ring and hold boomerangs, pointing them at the boys. The boys take the ends of the boomerangs while the women grab their hair and lift them up.
5. Sacred Way and Punishment: The men, boys, and women then walk along the sacred way, returning to the starting point. The women are then ordered to leave, and it is believed that any woman who enters the sacred way during the ceremony faces the ultimate punishment: death.

The Bora Ring is the South most location on the map below Samford 

The Experience

The Samford Bora Ring (Dhur)

The Samford Bora Ring is a well-known example of these sacred sites located in Queensland, Australia.

The Samford ring, which is connected with a smaller ring, is considered to be the most complete and best preserved Bora ground in the neighbourhood of Brisbane and most probably in Queensland. (ELIZABETH N. MARKS)

It provides a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage of the region and the significance of the bora ring in Aboriginal traditions.   https://www.samfordmuseum.com.au/bora-ring

 

It is important to approach these sites with respect and understanding, recognizing their cultural significance and the importance of preserving them for future generations.