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…
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…
Bathi (Pandanus Basket) Bathi are woven from the split leaves of the Screw Palm (Pandanus Spiralis). Coil weaving was introduced to Arnhem Land in the 1930s. It was adapted from techniques used by Indigenous women throughout South East Australia.
Bathi (Pandanus Basket) Bathi are woven from the split leaves of the Screw Palm (Pandanus Spiralis). Coil weaving was introduced to Arnhem Land in the 1930s. It was adapted from techniques used by Indigenous women throughout South East Australia.
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.
Ritjano (bush carrot) This artwork depicts the Ritjano. Ritjano is similar to a carrot, and grows abundantly in North East Arnhem Land. The vegetable is a staple food in traditional Yolngu culture, and has been a reliable food source when other foods are scarce. The ladies will collect and roast the Read more…
JB Fisher – Mewal This painting is about the story of the rock Mewal, that is the embodiment of the spirit man Mokuy who created the honey men/sugar bag tribe. In the story, Mokuy runs away from from a burning grass fire and to escape he turns into the special 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…
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…
Peter Gambung – Guwarrtji (sea turtle) Peter is painting a sea turtle (or Hawksbill Turtle) from his Yirritja song line. This depiction of the Guwarrtji is a small part of a great story which Peter inherited from the Liyagal-wu Mirr tribe, his mother tribe. The diamonds on the Guwarrtji’s shell Read more…