Raypiny Dhawu (Fresh Water Story) All Aboriginal people originate from a spiritual source, fixed in a particular place in their land or the sea. These ‘spiritual reservoirs’ are often in the form of special waterholes made by Wangarr (creative spirits) that were created long ago close to the beginning of Read more…
Baru Dhawu (Crocodile Story) Baru (the crocodile man), was from the Gumatj clan. People usually call him Gurdu Gurdu or Baru which means crocodile. He lived his life at a place called Yirrkala. Living near him were other people, and when Baru didn’t have enough to eat he began to Read more…
Painted log Painted logs are often offcuts from mako or didjeridu manufacture. Rather than wasting the pieces or relegating them to the fire, artists collect these, sand them smooth and then experiments with different painting techniques and styles. Painted using a combination of brushes; handmade traditional Jarlk grass reed brush harvested from Read more…
Woven Mat Traditionally, Nganiyal (conical mats) were used as an insect screen when erected, and as a sitting mat when folded. They are used in Ceremony as well as a functional item. Nowadays, artists weave many different shapes including flat, round and oblong.
Dhawurr/batjbarra fish trap Fish traps are placed into the river to face the oncoming fish. The woven tunnel traps the fish and prevents their escape. The traps are tapered so when they are submerged in the water, the water pressure wedges them into place. Traditionally, the fish traps are operated at night Read more…
Warrnyu Dhawu (Flying Fox Story) Back in the Creation time, Warrnyu (Flying Foxes) once lived, like men, in the cave at the place called Kurrki Warrnyu Yirri Djaringal (they also lived in caves called Wadatilmurr & Gurngurmirrngu). Warrnyu lived in these caves for many years and then one day Djanyarr Read more…
Dance Belt Dance belts are an important cultural component of ceremony. This belt has been made predominantly from cotton string, along with kurrajong bush string details on the belt component. This can be seen on the wrap around the two end loops, the detailing holding the dangle components, along with Read more…
Mimi Spirit “Mimi go through rock country. Hide in cracks. May be cheeky. Mimi look after and renew country.” This stunning Mimi Spirit has been hand crafted from native beach hibiscus sourced in Darwin. Carved using a mix of sharp hand tools it has then been finished in modern acrylic paints. Read more…
Mimi Spirit “Mimi go through rock country. Hide in cracks. May be cheeky. Mimi look after and renew country.” This stunning Mimi Spirit has been hand crafted from native beach hibiscus sourced in Darwin. Carved using a mix of sharp hand tools it has then been finished in modern acrylic paints. Read more…
Woven Dragonfly This finely crafted hand woven dragonfly is a cheerful reminder of the real dry season dragonflies. Signalling in the dry season, dragonflies are ubiquitous with dry winds, cool nights and saying goodbye to the wet season! Our ridiculously talented pandanus artists are continuing to push their skills and techniques Read more…