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Wullamurrunge & Wandjina (longneck turtle & cloud and rain spirits)

The Wullamurrungge was created by the Wandjina. It’s special because the Wandjina left a gift inside: a skeleton that looks like the Wandjina and the Gyorn Gyorn (Bradshaw people). The law he gave to the people was that before a young boy could eat the turtle, it has to crawl on the back of the person who’s going to eat it. This then satisfies the Wandjina and you’re able to eat it. This law is passed down from generation to generation. Where you see a lot of Wandjinas they represent the laws of trees, rivers, rocks, bush fruit, animals and all of creation. The Wandjinas give the law on how we have to treat and use these creations. These customs are carried on today. The Wandjina spirits are highly respected by the Worrora, Ngarinyin and Wunumbul people who live at Mowanjum and up the Gibb River Road to Kalumburru in the North West Kimberley region of Western Australia.

Name: Barbara Arndie Bear


Community: Mowanjum


Biography:

Barbara is the fourth child of nine children, and has lived in Derby and Mowanjum most of her life. Her mother is Winyangardie clan and her father is from the Warrtngarlingorngor clan and they are of the Ngarinyin language group. Barbara is related to the Morlumbun and Charles families from her mother's side, and the Nenowatt and Ngerdus families from her father's side. Further, Barbara has extended family in Mowanjum through marriage.

Barbara's work is unique within the Art Centre. Her colour palette, defined shapes and decorative detailing, sees her work reveal a distinctive graphic look. Though contemporary in her approach her work is always informed by the traditional stories learnt from her elders as a child.

 


© the artist / art centre