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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: Andrew Wanamilil

Language: Ganalbingu

Community: Ramingining

Biography:

Andrew Wanamilil is an accomplished early career artist who has made an impression for his uniquely detailed style and composition. Andrew primarily paints Raypiny Dhawu (Freshwater Story), often depicting the flora and fauna commonly found in the Arafura Swamp where Ramingining is located. 

Learning to paint at the age of 11 years old, Andrew learned his totem, stories and songlines under the guidance of his late father, accomplished artist B. Malibirr.

“It’s good for me, I’m part of the board, it’s good for me passing my story on through my painting to the young generation. I’m teaching my kids to tell the story, same as my father told me the stories.”

Andrew is currently the sitting Chair of the Bula’bula Arts Board and is a strong leader both in art and within the Ramingining Community. A strong message he conveys in his work, is the sacredness of the themes he represents, describing the stories as Yolngu scripture.

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© the artist / art centre