tjurunga

• churinga
• tjuringa

From Arrernte tywerrenge.

tjurunga (plural tjurungas)

1. (Australia) An object of religious significance among Aboriginal peoples of Central Australia. [from 19th c.]
   • 1987, Bruce Chatwin, The Songlines, Vintage, published 1998, page 43:

     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.

   • 2002, Victoria Finlay, Colour, Sceptre, page 58:

     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.

• cyclon