Gumang (Magpie Geese) The Yolngu people of Arnhem Land 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 Beings) long ago close to the beginning of time. The 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…
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…
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…
Ganalbingu – Banda (Long Necked Turtle) The long necked turtle is a dreaming totem for the freshwater people, the Ganalbingu, whose country includes the World Heritage listed, Arafura Wetlands in Central Arnhem Land, Northern Territory The Yolngu (people) of Arnhem Land originate from a spiritual source, fixed in a particular Read more…
Wandkurra (wallabies) This Gupapuyngu painting depicts two wallabies, sacred dancers from the Dreamtime, performing in the sacred ground (Yirritja Ngarra ceremony) of Djiliwirri, Central North East Arnhem Land. This wallaby is the keeper of Niwuda. The painting’s intricate design reflects the importance of this Dreamtime story, which continues to be Read more…
Goose Egg Hunt The Yolngu people of Arnhem Land traditionally hunted for magpie goose eggs as part of their seasonal food gathering practices. During the wet season, when the floodplains were teeming with life, they would venture into the shallow wetlands where magpie geese nested. Using their deep knowledge of Read more…
Nyoka (Mud crab) Here the artist paints shellfish and mud crabs at Gariyak, the county represented in many paintings relating to the Djang’kawu Sisters’ journey. In the coastal mangroves the sisters hunted mud crabs, and baler and conch shells to eat.
Gumang (Magpie Geese) The Yolngu people of Arnhem Land 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 Beings) long ago close to the beginning of time. The Read more…