Australian Aborigines After Ritual Period

(Original Caption) Australia: Scenes And Customs Among Aborigines Of Australia. Before being admitted a man, every youth of this tribe of Australian Blackfellows has to submit himself to a painful and vigorous 14-days ordeal of tests and semi-starvation. Those who emerge successful are granted the full privileges of manhood in food, war, the chase, and are allowed to speak to the women. But to the failures are denied such privileges, and by the laws of the tribe are compelled to wait another year for the opportunity to once more undergo the ordeal and win their entrance into full manhood. Some Blackfellows from the mountains celebrating the termination of the "making young men" ceremonies. The painted signs represent devils, snakes and crocodiles.