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Ngangkin (Echidna)
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Makarr (Fish Trap)
Our fish traps were only made by Yalanji men. They used lawyer cane vines. Often they place d the fish trap in the middle of the river over
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Kurriyala (Carpet Snake)
The carpet snake used to be an important food animal for our ancestors. They wrapped the meat in native ginger leaves and cooked it on the hot coals of the ground oven. They also used the skin to make head bands or skillfully sewed blankets to keep the families warm and dry at night.
The carpet snake also has spiritual significance for me. I inherited the carpet snake Totem and related cultural knowledge from my father’s side. According to our Kuku Yalanji creation stories, the carpet snake was an Ancestral Being that travelled in its human form across the country creating waterways wherever it went, including on my father’s clan lands.
In my upbringing I was taught to respect our elders who prepared me for my future role as carrier of cultural knowledge and spiritual traditions. I was also taught the values of taking responsibility for caring for our traditional clan country and help maintain it for the younger generations so they can become strong leaders.
Art is my way of keeping the cultural knowledge of my ancestors alive and passing it down to my children and grandchildren. Sharing this body of knowledge creates strong family ties and gives me my strength.
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Kadanji (Black Cockatoo)
Kadanji (Black Cockatoo) is my mother’s mother’s totem from the Kuku Nyungkul clan. This totem is passed down generation after generation to your newborns.
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Land & Sea
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Birmba (White Cockatoo)
Birmba (White Cockatoo) is my family totem. It has been passed down from generation to generation.
They are like protective spirits for me, my family and our loved ones who have passed away.
They always remind me of my late grandfather and my sister who I dearly miss.
The White Cockatoos give us signs. Good signs and signs of danger. They always let you know when to move on.
When I am out with my grand children, I say “that’s Nan there, overlooking us”, I let them know it’s family wathing over them, keeping them connected to each other and country.
When I am alone, I know they are around. I speak to their spirit and they give me strength.
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People
