APICAL ANCESTORS
In anthropology, an apical ancestor is a common ancestor from whom a lineage or clan may trace its descent. The word apical is used because this ancestor is at the apex of the genealogy. In the case of clans, this may be a real or fictional ancestor chosen for unification purposes. If the apical ancestor of a clan is non-human, it is a totem.
The real apical ancestors of the Yinhawangka people are:
Minatangunha
Minatangunha was born on what became Rocklea Station and passed away at a claypan near the Ashburton River. It is said Minatangunha, with two wives, one of whom is recalled as having been Yinhawangka, had five children:
- Mungunirri (male)
- Turtja (Cutacross George) (male)
- Murthi (female)
- A daughter whose name is not recalled
- Kutjilyirri (male)
Jarndunha
Jarndunha was born, and later buried, at Tjandunguna (Mount Nameless), to the west of Tom Price. She and her Gurruma husband, Windawari, had two children: Thandainha (Minnie) (female) and Tjimpu (male).
Thurantajinha and Wilga
Thurantajinha and Wilga had four children:
- Jimuni (male)
- Kurtakurta (female)
- Kawathingu
- Yagi
Nothing further is known about the latter two except that it is claimed that Yagi was sent to Rottnest.