Seen in and around Ramingining, the sand palm is a small, slender palm, growing to about 7 m tall. It is fire tolerant and usually grows in environments where it is exposed to frequent fires. Aboriginal people use this palm as the fruits are edible and the heart can be eaten, either raw or roasted. The core of the stem is pounded and made into a drink which was used to treat coughs, colds, chest infections, diarrhoea, and tuberculosis.
Name: Dorothy Djampalil
Language: Djambarrpuyngu
Community: Ramingining
Biography:
Dorothy Djampalil is an emerging artist, born in Millingimbi into a family of strong and prolific painters. Dorothy was raised and taught to paint by her mother, D Djukulul, a respected artist and one of the first recognised female painters in Ramingining. Her stepfather, renowned Yolŋu painter Djardi Ashley, is also a strong influence in her artistic style.
Dorothy likes to paint her own totem, Banumbirr (Morning Star). However, prefers to depict the totem of her mother and grandfather. These include Lungurrmar (North-East Wind), Baru (crocodile), Lidji Lidji (finch), Ganalbungi Banda (long-neck turtle) from the freshwater story, Gumang Yalman (Magpie Goose), Damilipa (blue tongue lizard), and Dawurrmunuk (itchy caterpillar).
“I want the people to know I paint my mother’s story on the canvas.”
While Dorothy doesn’t have any children of her own, she paints every day with her sisters, Evonne Rraraypum, Joy Borruwa and Joy Burruna, as well as her nieces and nephews. Maintaining the strong family history of painting their cultural story.
Marra (Leaves) Inspired by the work of the prominent basket weaver, the late R. D. This scene depicts the leaf debris as it floats along the running water.
Djang’kawu sisters Creation Story featuring mud crabs and lizards This painting is part of the Djang’kawu sisters Creation Story. The details of this story can vary according to clan and/or country, but the central story Read more…
JB Fisher – Wuldulbal/badju (bream) JB paints stories from his Dhuwa homeland in northeast Arnhem Land. Stories are passed on either paternally or maternally, and JB would have learnt these stories from his ancestors. The cross-hatching style Read more…