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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.

Categories: MOWANJUM ART AND CULTURE CENTRE

Name: Edna Dale

Language: Ngarinyin

Community: Imintji

Biography:

Edna Dale is a Ngarinyin woman and chairperson of Imintji Community, where she lives with her husband Lance Bedford and their seven daughters. Edna is the daughter of famous Kimberley artist Jack Dale Mengenen (dec 1920-2013). Growing up she spent much of her time by her fathers side traveling their country, watching him paint and tell stories.

Edna has her own distinct style however her elongated wandjina figures and minimalist aesthetic are a clear departure from the imagery of her father.

Edna's father also taught her the Law, and showed her the many cave sites that are sacred to Ngarinyin people, especially around Imintji, on the Gibb River Road.

Edna's husband Lance Bedford is the son of famous Gija painter Paddy Bedford and their oldest daughter, Petrina Bedford is also a talented emerging artist. 

Exhibitions:

 

2016       Darwin Art Fair.

               Kimberley Art Prize.

               Mowanjum Festival.

2015       Darwin Art Fair.

               Kimberley Art Prize.

               Mowanjum Festival.

 

2014       Darwin Art Fair.

               Kimberley Art Prize.

               Mowanjum Festival.

2013       Darwin Art Fair.

               Kimberley Art Prize.

               Mowanjum Festival.

               Revealed, Fremantle Arts Centre.

 

2012       Darwin Art Fair.

               Kimberley Art Prize.

               Mowanjum Festival.

 

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