This painting depicts two goannas embedded in an intricate depiction of kunkurra, the mini cyclones common during the wet season in Arnhem Land. Kunkurra also relates specifically to the Bilwoyinj site. At this site, two of the most important Kuninjku creation beings, a father and son, hunted and ate goanna. They left some goanna fat behind, which turned into the rock that still stands at the site today.
Name: Pamela Namunjdja
Language: Kuninjku
Community: Maningrida
Biography:
Pamela Namundja, daughter of the esteemed artist and senior cultural leader of the Kardbam clan, Peter Marralwanga, embodies versatility in her artistic endeavors. Her repertoire spans across bark painting, Lorrkkon ceremonies, intricately carved wooden sculptures, and woven artworks.
As the matriarch of a sizable family, Pamela has assumed the responsibility of imparting her extensive knowledge and artistic expertise to the next generation of artists within her lineage. She is dedicated to preserving the cultural heritage and artistic traditions passed down to her by her father and the esteemed Kardbam clan, ensuring their continuity and vitality.
Nguyno (flower) Works in fibre from the Maningrida region are widely recognised as some of the finest in Australia. Artists confidently push the boundaries of fibre craft and cultural expression, adapting traditional techniques and forms Read more…
Coil Basket Coil basketry is a well-established fibre art form in the Maningrida region, especially for women from the Kuninjku, Rembarrnga, Ndjebbana and Nakkara language groups. Artists make coiled baskets of many shapes and sizes, Read more…
Warraburnburn In Burarra and Gun-nartpa languages the figure represented in this artwork is generally known as a wangarra ‘ghost spirit’. For the Warrawarra clan ghost spirits have their own particular characteristics and their own name – Warraburnburn. The Warraburnburn Read more…