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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: Joy Garlbin


Language: Ndjébbana


Community: Maningrida


Biography:

Joy is an integral member of the Bábbarra Women’s Centre and traditional owner of Maningrida.

She has been around since the early years of Bábbarra Women’s Centre. Joy is a textile artist and also a highly regarded bark painter, creator of mimi spirits, as well as weaver of pandanus fibre.

Joy depicts the story of her ancestral dreaming the Djomi in her textile work, with permission from her djunguys.

Joy is a Kunibidji woman.  She speaks Kunibidji and Ndjébbana. These languages are one language but with hard and soft tonal differences. Ndjébbana is one of the least commonly spoken languages in Arnhem Land and is the language of the traditional owners of Maningrida.


© the artist / art centre