‘This is from before when Aboriginal people were using canoe. When the Makassan came my ancestors paddled to the Makassan boats in their canoe and gave the Makassan’s food from our country.
Before white man the Makassan travelled around and traded tobacco, rice, flour, sugar, square teabag made of leaves. My old man used to tall me these stories.’
Joy Garlbin 2022
Name: Joy Garlbin
Language: Ndjébbana
Community: Maningrida
Biography:
Joy Bulandjan is a respected elder, artist, and traditional owner of Maningrida, deeply involved with the Bábbarra Women’s Centre since its early days.
As a Kunibidji woman, Joy’s artistic practice reflects her deep cultural roots and her connection to Country.
As a Kunibidji woman, Joy’s artistic practice reflects her deep cultural connection to Country extending from her spiritual connection to place. Joy is entrusted with the with Djomi (fresh water sprirt or mermaid) story and received permission from her djungkay (ritual managers) and her depiction of the creatures that live in Maningrida.
Barnkabarra (Mud Crabs) This design tells the story of Elizabeth’s homeland – a dreaming place, a good dreaming place with plenty of Barnkabarra (Mud Crabs). Elizabeth’s homeland lies east of Maningrida, at the mouth of Read more…
Kunmadj dja Kunkanin (Dillybag and Digging Stick) In this design, Jennifer has depicted kun-madj (dillybag), which is a large woven collecting basket. These large bags are often made from the burney vine (Malaisia scandens), a strong, pliable Read more…
Kunwarrde (Stone Country) – Collection 3 – NFS Country to Couture 2023 That kundalk (sedge/grass) it grows in the water in that black mud, it holds fast to that mud. Wet season time, that kunwarrde Read more…