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Mábbarla (Jelly Fish)

Mábbarla means Jelly Fish in Ndjébbana.

‘My homeland is Entrance island, Haulround island and Juda point. I really like Haulround island and that’s where we collect barruar (seagull egg). Entrance island is my favourite camping area, I go across with boat. Balanda (non-Aboriginal or European people) can’t go into those islands or Juda point without permission from me. We have a sacred totem ngaduma (palm tree) at those places and if people destroy it, we will have a strong wind and maybe a cyclone.’ Marilyn James 2021

Categories: Bawinanga Aboriginal Corporation

Name: Marilyn James

Language: Ndjébbana

Community: Maningrida

Biography:

Marilyn is a senior artist with profound cultural knowledge, which she incorporates into her textiles and design work.

An integral member of the Bábbarra Women’s Centre, Marilyn plays a versatile role in the studio, contributing to retail, printing, and designing. She has proudly represented Bábbarra at the Tarnanthi Art Fair in Adelaide, a highlight of her artistic journey.

Marilyn’s first design portrays the story of Lorrkkon (funeral log), a significant part of her family’s artistic legacy.

“This is the story of my great-great-grandfather and grandmother, both bark painters and Lorrkkon painters. I remember their stories and chose to make this my first design. My mother was also a weaver—she made pandanus hats, floormats, baskets, and dilly bags.”

Her lino print designs also depict Ranba (beach) and Yokkarra (fish), as well as Ngaduma (palm tree) and Barruar (seagull egg).

Marilyn lives in Manayingkarírra (Maningrida), where she was born, alongside her children and grandchildren.

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