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…
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…
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.
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.
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…
Marrin (honey dilly bag) Marriṉ are made from gunga (Pandanus spiralis), baḻgurr (kurrajong) and natural bush dyes. The body of the marriṉ is made from gunga, and the handles from baḻgurr. Once the gunga fronds and baḻgurr bark have been collected, they are stripped and prepared then boiled with the dyes. In the old times, Read more…
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…
Damilipa (Blue Tongue Lizard), Biyay, Goanna, and Possum Story This painting depicts Damilipa (Blue Tongue Lizard) scouring the vast landscapes of Gurrwiliny, NE Arnhem Land. Damilipa can be seen across Arnhem Land all year around. Damilipa is the dreaming for this artist’s family. Yolngu hunt this Biyay for food and they Read more…
