tjurunga

plural tjurungas · alternative churinga · alternative tjuringa

1. AustraliaAn object of religious significance among Aboriginal peoples of Central Australia.First known use 19th c.

   A tjuringa is usually an oval-ended plaque, carved from stone or mulga wood, and covered with patterns which represent the wanderings of its owner's Dreamtime Ancestor.

   1987, Bruce Chatwin, The Songlines, Vintage, published 1998, page 43

   1 more example

   He was told that these three tjurunga were unique among the Loritja in thatthey were never painted with red ochre, but instead had to be refreshed with human blood at frequent intervals.

   2002, Victoria Finlay, Colour, Sceptre, page 58