ngarndúma 1) a kind of tall palm tree with one straight trunk; Kentia palm. Gronophyllum ramsayi; Carpentaria acuminata. Gender: djíya; Moiety: Yírriddjanga. N A. Karlakkalóddjarra márdba ka-rénjdjeya. The new shoot is sweet. The growing tip of young palms eaten raw; large palms are not eaten. The fruits are toxic to people but eaten by fruit pigeons.
Marilyn has depicted ngarndúma on her island homeland.
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.
Marebu Deborah Wurrkidj is a Kuninjku artist from the Kurulk clan whose country lies around the outstation of Mumeka in central Arnhem Land. She is an accomplished artist working across mediums including painting, sculpture, weaving Read more…
Ngalyod Ngalyod (Rainbow serpent) Rainbow spirit coming from billabong. Rainbow serpent dreaming. Coming from billabong, that place we call billabong where that ngalyod (rainbow serpent) lives. All that wayuk (waterlily), all them kundalk (grass) and Read more…
Namurre Boko A two colour screen print design from 2022. Jay’s first large format design to join the Bábbarra Designs Collection. ‘This is my first one, I’m really happy, I’m proud. It’s just a songline Read more…