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Kabbari Ngalyod (Rainbow Serpent)

The artwork depicts Ngalyod at Kunyikuymi. Kunyikuymi is djang (a Dreaming site) for the Marladj djang (orphan story) and is a highly sacred place. The area is located on the Goomadeer [Kumadderr] River around 16km southwest of Mamardawerre outstation. Two djang at Kunyikuymi represent the orphan and his brother respectively. Nadjardenj, the older brother, is represented by a rock attached to the cliff at the top above the valley, while the orphan, Nanjiwk (name of the site also), is a small rock on the ground some 100 metres from the sandy ‘beach’. The rainbow serpent associated with killing the orphan and brother is represented by a rock in the shape of its head at the top of the river valley. This site is known as Kabbari Ngalyod.

Categories: Maningrida Arts & Culture

Name: Kenan Namunjdja

Language: Kuninjku

Community: Maningrida

Biography:

Kenan Namunjdja is the eldest son of artists Bulanj (1965-2018) and Deborah Yulidjirri.  Trained by his father who was nationally and internationally recognised for his particularly fine rarrk and depiction of the kunkurra (spiralling wind).  His grandfather, Peter Marralwanga (1916-1987), was also a much celebrated bark painter and a leader in the 1970's Outstation movement. Kenan continues this strong legacy, through his exceptionally fine mark-making in depicting the djang of his country, Mankorlod.

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