I, The Aboriginal by Douglas Lockwood

I, The Aboriginal

by Douglas Lockwood

Rigby, 1962, [First Edition], black and white photographic plates, illustrated endpapers (maps), hardcover with illustration on front, dustjacket

Very Good Condition, minor edge and shelf wear, a little rubbing and bumping to edges and corners, previous owners gift inscription on title page, price-clipped dustjacket shows some edge and shelf wear, water damaged crumpling to jacket, some rubbing and bumping to edges and corners (see photographs)

“My name is Waipuldanya, or Wadjiri-Wadjiri. (If they twist your tongue too much you can call me Phillip Roberts.  That is my white-feller name.)
I’m a full-blood Aboriginal of the Alawa tribe at Roper River in the Northern Territory.
My body has been through the fires of tribal initiation.  I have been subjected to many taboos.  As a child I was ‘sung’ to death by a malevolent medicine man, who wished to destroy me in order to punish my clan.  I was saved by another.
I have worshipped Kunapipi the Earth Mother in our pagan ceremonies.  I believe in the Rainbow Serpent.  I have also worshipped and believe in the Lord God and have been confused by a conflict of religions.
In my youth I was taught to track and hunt wild animals, to be self-reliant in living off the land, to provide for my family with the aid only of my spears and woomeras.
I married a tribal woman who was chosen for me by my uncle, because he was the man who grew-me-up and that was the law.  We had six daughters.
My life changed dramatically in 1953, on a day at Roper River when a white doctor chose me as his driver-mechanic.  I then became his medial assistant.  He taught me about medicines and drugs, and showed me how to use the microscope, stethoscope and X-ray.  I have used these skills to help my people.
But in spite of the knowledge and sophistication which I acquired, I am still and always shall be an Aboriginal.
Douglas Lockwood wrote this book about my life.
This is my story.
Enjoy it … and understand us better….”