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Murnun (dugong)

This design is murnun (dugong). Josephine grew up on the coastal area of Maningrida. She is a Kunibidji woman, a Gurgoni and Ndjébbana language speaker. 

‘In the olden times they used to go on canoe to look for murnun (dungong), fish (yokkara) ,turtle (makéddja) and stingray (marnan djupa (sp?)). They used a spear and net during the day and sometimes at night. The fishermen were mostly men. I remember my grandfather used to go hunting, that’s Joy’s (Garlbin)  father. HIs name was Jimmy. We used to go out with him on the boat to kill makéddja (turtle) and murnun (dugong) for yalaba (bush tucker). 

 

 

 

Name: Josephine James


Language: Ndjébbana, Gurrgoni, Kuninjku


Community: Maningrida


Biography:

Josephine is from the Gurrgoni language group, one of Maningrida’s most endangered languages.

In Josephine’s design work, she depicts detailed stingrays and turtles in the sea country, in an intricate two colour design.

Josephine is also a sculpture, carving mimih spirits for Maningrida Arts and Culture.


© the artist / art centre