Baltji (Yam) This painting depicts Baltji (Yam) which has been a reliable food source for Yolngu people for many centuries. Baltji can be found across the different landscapes of East Arnhem Land and are only harvested seasonally.
Giny-giny (Catfish) Peter Gambong is painting the Giny-giny (Catfish) story from his Gupapuyngu ancestry. The Giny-giny is a particularly significant animal to Peter, and the Giny-giny song line is one of two song lines which Peter uses in ceremony. Peter would perform the Giny-giny song line at a Gupapuyngu funeral 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.
Dakawa (crayfish) Yolngu collect Dakawa from the side of the river or swamp where it’s muddy and there are lots of them. They break the claws off, throw them on the fire and eat them. Dakawa are also good food for turtles.
Baltji (Yam) This painting depicts Baltji (Yam) which has been a reliable food source for Yolngu people for many centuries. Baltji can be found across the different landscapes of East Arnhem Land and are only harvested seasonally.
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…
Gananhdharr (white heron) This painting represents the Gananhdharr song line. Gananhdharr (white heron) can be seen at low tide searching for goya (fish) particularly garkuyi (mullet). They hunt alongside their ŋäṉḏi (mother), Ngulungulu (grey heron), at low tide, across the flood plains and amongst larrtha (mangroves). “When you look in Read more…
Wayanaka (oysters), Djanda (goanna) ga Wurrutjara (sand palm) Cecilia has painted totemic species significant to her Durrurrnga clan. In this painting she has depicted Wayanaka (oysters), Djanda (goanna) and Wurrutjara (Sandpalm).
Naku (canoe) This painting depicts naku (canoes) that were made traditionally from the bark of a particular tree and used for hunting. In this painting, Selena has depicted Yolngu men hunting for gumang (magpie geese) eggs.
Burala (Diving Ducks] This painting depicts diving ducks, both realistically and symbolically. A particular clan group uses the object in the painting during a hollow log ceremony (traditional funeral ceremony). The rrark (cross hatching) is the water. One group will perform the catfish dance whilst another performs as diving ducks. Read more…