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Warakkála (Long Yam)

Warakkála is the name of a place on Entrance Island meaning ‘ there are many long yams’. 

Warakkála is a kind of long yam, bush tucker for the Kunibidji people. These yams are roasted in ashes or hot water. They have méameya (hair) which is depicted in Marilyn’s Lino tile.

Marilyn James’ homeland is Entrance Island.

Resource: Ndjébbana Dictionary 2007

Name: Marilyn James


Language: Ndjébbana


Community: Maningrida


Biography:

Marilyn is a senior artist with deep knowledge of culture & country which she brings into textiles and her design story. Marilyn is also a integral member of the Bábbarra Women’s Centre and multitasks in all areas of the studio from retail, printing and designing. Marilyn has represented Babbarra in Adelaide at the Tarnanthi Art Fair which she enjoyed.

Marilyn’s first design depicts the story of funeral logs (Lorrkkon).

‘This is the story of my great great grandfather and grandmother who were bark painters and Lorrkkon painters. I remember this story, and decided to make this my first design. My mother used to weave, she made pandanus hats, floormats, baskets and dilly bag.’

She also depicts Ranba (beach) and Yokkarra (fish), Ngaduma (palm tree) and Barruar (seagull egg) in her Lino print designs.

Marilyn has children and grandchildren all of whom live with her in Manayingkarírra (Maningrida), where she was born.


© the artist / art centre