Blog

Ngujay (Freshwater Turtle)

Wambiji (Platypus)

Jalbil (Boyd’s Rainforest Dragon) Jalbil, the rainforest dragon, is a small and gentle lizard that feeds on insects. It is very hard to see in the rainforest because it takes on the colour and patterns of the environment. The male Read more…

Kudi (Barramundi) Kudi (Barramundi) is of great cultural importance for our Kuku Yalanji families. It is a major food source for us. We hunt them when they are fat. Kudi (Barramundi) is also one of a group of totem names that our Read more…

Kurranji (Cassowary) The cassowary is my totem. My mother’s sister handed it down to me when I was a young boy. I perform the cassowary dance in public ceremonies. As a young men, I was part of the Yalanji Dance Read more…

Yindili (Kingfisher)

Ngawiya (Sea Turtle) In the past, sea turtles were an important food source for Kuku Yalanji people. Only men were allowed to hunt them. The men were also responsible for cooking them in a ground oven and distributing the meat to all the families. Read more…

Kurriyala (Carpet Snake) The carpet snake used to be an important food animal for our ancestors. They wrapped the meat in native ginger leaves and cooked it on the hot coals of the ground oven. They also used the skin Read more…

Bayil (Jungle Perch)