Fish traps are placed into the river to face the oncoming fish. The woven tunnel traps the fish and prevents their escape. The traps are tapered so when they are submerged in the water, the water pressure wedges them into place. Traditionally, the fish traps are operated at night time.
Baru (the crocodile man), was from the Gumatj clan. People usually call him Gurdu Gurdu or Baru which means crocodile. He lived his life at a place called Yirrkala. Living near him were other people, and when Baru didn’t have enough to eat he began to kill and eat these other people. After a while others noticed that some people were missing. When Baru went to the toilet, the people could smell this strong smell, so they knew that he ate the other people. Some men went to get help and they took message sticks to the other tribes. Some were sending smoke signals. When they came to Baru’s camp they started to spear him in the left side of his ribs. He dropped into the fire and burnt his left hand and maybe his right hand. He then ran into the bush and yelled to his countrymen – the animals, birds and fish that live on the land and in the sea. He stopped and he named the tribes and clans and also the places until he came to a place called Gamarru/Guyurru. There he took a rest and said to himself “This is where I stop and call this place Gamarru/Guyurru”. Baru, still in pain from the fire, then jumped into the water and turned himself into a crocodile. The fire left scars on his back. Baru paintings belong to Gumatj and Warrawarra and also the Marpi clan. This painting is used at death ceremonies or initiations and it normally is painted on the belly, which means the person the design is painted on is part of Gurdu Gurdu (the crocodile people).
These are the Pilbara wildflower’s that grow on the ground they have a beautiful orange colour blending in the country during flower season.
In September, when we are looking for gum from the Blue Gum Tree, we walk through the spinifex country. We pick the gum when it is crystal colour, and we eat it, or put it into hot water to make it like a toffee. We call it sugar lolly.
In September, when we are looking for gum from the Blue Gum Tree, we walk through the spinifex country. We pick the gum when it is crystal colour, and we eat it, or put it into hot water to make it like a toffee. We call it sugar lolly.
This story is about a hut my Nan built in the 1990’s with thelp from her sister and family. All the materials were from the local tip and were collected by her. Once it was completed this was our holiday house. We had the best memories.
In this artwork I made titled “Dhari Dance” for me means how traditional dance was passed down through generation to generations.Art Centre notes: The artwork is a (colour reduction/B/W) lino print, printed on BFK Rives paper (100% cotton rag with strong archival properties).
In this artwork I made titled “Dhari Dance” for me means how traditional dance was passed down through generation to generations.Art Centre notes: The artwork is a (colour reduction/B/W) lino print, printed on BFK Rives paper (100% cotton rag with strong archival properties).
In this artwork I made titled “Dhari Dance” for me means how traditional dance was passed down through generation to generations. Art Centre notes: The artwork is a (colour reduction/B/W) lino print, printed on BFK Rives paper (100% cotton rag with strong archival properties).
In this artwork I made titled “Dhari Dance” for me means how traditional dance was passed down through generation to generations. Art Centre notes: The artwork is a (colour reduction/B/W) lino print, printed on BFK Rives paper (100% cotton rag with strong archival properties).