(LS): 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. We ate turtle meat on special occasions such as Read more…
Makarr (Fish Trap) Our fish traps were only made by Yalanji men. They used lawyer cane vines. Often they place d the fish trap in the middle of the river over
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 to make head bands or skillfully sewed blankets to keep the Read more…
Kadanji (Black Cockatoo) Kadanji (Black Cockatoo) is my mother’s mother’s totem from the Kuku Nyungkul clan. This totem is passed down generation after generation to your newborns.
Birmba (White Cockatoo) Birmba (White Cockatoo) is my family totem. It has been passed down from generation to generation. They are like protective spirits for me, my family and our loved ones who have passed away. They always remind me of my late grandfather and my sister who I dearly miss. The Read more…
