Sword fish Billy paints stories from his Dhuwa homeland in north east Arnhem Land. Stories are passed on either paternally or maternally, and Billy would have learnt these stories from his ancestors. The cross-hatching style (Rrark) is a traditional painting style 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 Read more…
Banda (Long Necked Turtle) ga Baru (crocodile) The banda (long necked turtle) and baru (crocodile) are dreaming totems for the freshwater people, the Ganalbingu, whose country includes the World Heritage listed, Arafura Wetlands in Central Arnhem Land, Northern Territory The Read more…
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) Read more…
Banda (long-necked turtle) ga Buliya (catfish) In this painting, Evonne has painted her Mari (mothers, mother) dreaming of Banda (long-necked turtle), Buliya (catfish) and Mundukul (water snake). This is a freshwater story from Ganalbingu country in the Arafura Wetlands. Evonne’s Read more…
Evonne’s Dhulumburrk (Waterlily) This painting depicts Dhulumburrk (Nymphaea violacea), a fresh waterlily. The flowers and lily pads of fresh waterlilies can be seen far and wide across the Arafura wetlands, providing coverage for many animal species including Banda (long-necked turtle) Read more…
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) Read more…
Badurru (Milky Way) This painting depicts Badurru (Milky Way), a significant storyline and songline for the Durrurrnga people. The dupun (hollow log) represents the Badurru bunggul (dance) performed during ceremony. The Badurru dhawu (story) is of a Waak Waak (crow) Read more…
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) 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 Read more…