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Giny-giny (Catfish)

Peter Gambong is painting the Giny-giny (Catfish) story from his Gupapuyngu ancestry. The Giny-giny is a particularly significant animal to Peter, and the Giny-giny song line is one of two song lines which Peter uses in ceremony. Peter would perform the Giny-giny song line at a Gupapuyngu funeral to allow the dead person’s spirit to return to their homeland. Peter would also perform the song line at a Mandayala (coming of age ceremony) for a Gupapuyngu boy. The Giny-giny is not scared of any other animal, because of the barbs on it’s face. During war time, Peter’s tribe mimic the Giny-giny’s barbed heads by holding their spears out as they approach their enemies.

Categories: Bula'bula Arts

Name: Peter Gambung


Language: Gupapuyngu


Community: Ramingining


Biography:

Peter is on Bula’Bula Arts board of directors and is a strong advocate for the equitable treatment of Yolngu people. He continues to paint stories to help teach younger generations. His paintings consists of his Gupapuyngu clan’s story lines and song lines.


© the artist / art centre