115682286012

Published by CompNet Systems on

Ganalbingu – 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: Daniel Warrulukuma

Community: Ramingining

Biography:

Daniel Warrulukuma is a young Gurrulpa man, born in 1992. He lives in Ramingining, where he spends much of his time painting. He was taught by his two grandfathers, Billy Black and JB Fisher. Both of these men have mastered the use of very precise rarrk (cross hatching) work, which Daniel has adopted and adapted to his own style. Daniel uses both rarrk and round brushes to achieve his unique aesthetic. His colourful and vibrant paintings frequently depict hunting stories from his homeland. In 2016, Daniel’s work was featured in Another Country – Art Contemporain Aborigene exhibition at the Galerie IDAIA (International Development for Australian Indigenous Art), Paris.

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