SKU: 97244004974

The Speaking Land: Myth and Story in Aboriginal Australia

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The Speaking Land: Myth and Story in Aboriginal AustraliaThe 195 stories collected in this first anthology of Aboriginal myth were told to anthropologists Ronald and Catherine Berndt, who spent nearly fifty years working among the Aboriginal peoples of Australia. The Berndts developed a system of field research that allowed them entrance into a culture that has been alive for more than 100,000 years: Ronald Berndt met with male storytellers, while Catherine met with the women. The myths they collected come

The 195 stories collected in this first anthology of Aboriginal myth were told to anthropologists Ronald and Catherine Berndt, who spent nearly fifty years working among the Aboriginal peoples of Australia.

The Berndts developed a system of field research that allowed them entrance into a culture that has been alive for more than 100,000 years: Ronald Berndt met with male storytellers, while Catherine met with the women. The myths they collected come from the oldest collective memory of humankind, describing characters and events of the Dreamtime--a time that existed before the material world was formed.

The Speaking Land touches on all aspects of life: creation, natural forces, social rules, and the exotic. Stark, tinged with fantasy, sometimes bizarre, the myths chronicle the actions of the Ancestors, portraying not only beauty and wonder but also scenes of conflict: treachery and theft, jealousy and lust, greed and antagonism, injury and death. The lessons of life implicit in these stories are still reflected in the simplicity and deep spirituality of this culture.

In all of the myths collected here the land is as important as the living characters who travel it. In the Dreamtime creation, mythic, shape-changing characters moved across the countryside, leaving part of their eternal spiritual qualities in the land. Eventually, these characters and forces retreated into the living environment, where they remain today, spiritually anchored. The land still speaks to us, and The Speaking Land will help us understand its language.

Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Inner Traditions International
Published: 09/01/1994
ISBN: 9780892815180
Pages: 480
Weight: 1.67lbs
Size: 9.01h x 5.97w x 1.21d
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SKU: 97244004974

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Perfect size for dumping pockets, phone, knife and keys after work or when switching pants
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David Pearl
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Effective & Attractive with Wireless Charging
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This "valet" organizer, which is the first time I've heard that term for a product like this, is nearly perfect. For me, it checks all of the boxes and in a perfect world, I would have opted for a smaller piece with only three compartments for mobile, wallet, and keys. It's well made and quite attractive, especially the blue (favorite color, so I'm biased). The only feature I'm not a fan of is how the removeable, wireless charging pad was implemented, which sits up on a small lip at a slight incline. However, I'm not complaining one bit as the wireless charging is great, and it's a differentiator that determines the value of the piece. I would have preferred the pad be built into the piece, however the angle of it does make it easy to grab opposed to using your finger(s) to pry it up.
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Great nightstand valet for everyday items.
Color: Black+Green
Nice valet to add to a nightstand. Conveniently spaced sections to hold everyday items. Charging pad works great
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Christine
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Power Adapter Not Included
Color: Brown +Wireless
I'm initially impressed with this valet tray. I purchased two for my husband: one for his nightstand and one for his dresser, as he likes to keep things organized. We liked the idea of the wireless charging capabilities, but were a little disappointed to discover that the power adapter (wall plug) is not included with the tray. The tray includes a charging pad and a cord, but no wall plug. We don't have an extra pair in the house, so we'll have to wait until a pack arrives before we can test out the charging capabilities. That aside, the trays are a handsome set. I think 20% larger might serve us a tad better, but this will do very nicely for now. We're able to fit almost everything we need in the tray and that will leave the tables looking much tidier, even if one or two items don't quite make it in.
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Reviewed in the United States on October 20, 2025

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