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Bora Ceremony

The bora, was a special initiation ceremony of young boys when they reached their teens, into manhood.

The name is derived from the bor or boor, the fur-string belt which was worn by initiated men.

The name Bora, sometimes spelt Borah was used by the widespread Kamilaroi/Gamilaroi.

The ceremony was carried out on special grounds and Terry Hie Hie, situated 60km from Moree had the largest Bora ground in the Gamilaroi area. Many other Bora ring structures were found throughout Australia used by other Aboriginal Nations and Family Clan groups.

As part of Aboriginal culture and custom the Bora was a special, significant and respected ceremony, and today the Bora is still shown great respect by Aboriginal people because it was 'mens business'.

Message sticks were sent months ahead to let each group know where and when this special ceremony was to be held.

The last Bora ceremonies recorded for the Gamilaroi area were, 1880 at Garah, 1883 at Terry Hie Hie (who had the largest Bora ground in the North West), 1890 in Queensland, 1894 at Gundabluey-South West of Mungindi, and 1905 at Wee Waa (Wiawa).

In respect to mens business we can only advice of resources. For further information on available resources in regards to the Bora, see sources listed below or call the Northern Regional Library.

Briggs-Smith, Noeline (1999), Winanga-Li, Northern Regional Library, Moree NSW.

The Encylopedia of Australia, Vol 1 A-L, General Editor David Horton, AIATSIS.