Aboriginal boys� initiation ritual, Australia, 1798.

AUSTRALIA - MAY 13: Engraving by Neagle. Men bearing other men on their shoulders move from side to side, �lolling out their tongues and staring widely and horribly�. The boys (left) were then led over the bodies which writhed as if in agony, 'uttering a mournful dismal sound, like very distant thunder'. This part of the ritual, the �boo-roo-moo-roong�, ensured that the boys would now become brave fighters. From �An account of the English colony in New South Wales: with remarks on the dispositions, customs, manners, &c, of the native inhabitants of that country� by David Collins (1756-1810), published in London, 1798-1802. Collins was Judge Advocate and Governor's Secretary under Arthur Phillip at the British colony at Sydney Cove, Port Jackson, Australia, 1787-1796, and colonial governor of Tasmania, 1804-1810. (Photo by SSPL/Getty Images)