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Banda (Long Necked Turtle)

The long necked turtle is a dreaming totem for the freshwater people, the Ganalbingu, whose country includes the World Heritage listed, Arafura Wetlands in Central Arnhem Land, Northern Territory

The Yolngu (people) of Arnhem Land originate from a spiritual source, fixed in a particular place in their land or the sea. These ‘Spiritual Reservoirs’ are often in the form of special waterholes made by Wangga (Creator Beings), long ago close to the beginning of time. These creator beings moved across the country side, shaping the land and implanting in each tract of country, the spiritual life force for the people who were to own it.

These creator spirits took many forms. When they gave the land to each group they also gave songs, dances, ceremony, the associated laws and language. The Creation story for Ganalbingu people took place near the middle section of the Glyde River where it becomes the Goyder River. Their land, Ngaliyindi, sits astride the Arafura Swamp in Central Arnhem Land. Some of their major Creative Beings include Banda (freshwater long neck turtle) and Yalman (water lilies).

Categories: Bula'bula Arts

Name: Billy Durbuma Black

Language: Djinang

Community: Ramingining

Biography:

Black is known for his depiction of the Murrungun Morning Star story and the illustration of animal totems such as: the Black-headed Python, Longneck Tortoise, Butterflies and Sawfish.  Born in 1954 in Central Arnhem Land, Black was taught the art of painting by his father.

Particularly known for his sculptures of the forest mokuy, a devil like creature, Black’s sculptures received an Honourable Mention in the Australian Heritage Commission Art Award in 1993, held at Old Parliament House, Canberra.

Black created four Dupan (Hollow Logs) for the renowned 1988 Aboriginal Memorial, an installation commemorating the deaths of all indigenous people since white occupation. The installation was exhibited at the Biennial of Sydney Beneath the Southern Cross, before moving to the National Gallery of Australia as a permanent display.

Black appeared in the 1967 film Across the Top a documentary by Malcolm Douglas recording the traditional life in Arnhem Land, the Gulf of Carpentaria and Cape York.  In 2005 Black made his screen debut in De Heer’s award winning film Ten Canoes playing one of the lead canoeists. The film was a great success and aided in educating the world about the Yolngu culture in Ramingining, Central Arnhem Land.

Black was also mentioned in the 2005 Sixth Annual Smart Art Survey, as featured in Australian Art Collector (Issue 33, p. 117).  Noted art critic Patrick Hutchings, nominated Billy Black for inclusion in this national survey of highly recommended artists.

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