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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

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