Many years ago a man lived at a small creek that runs into the Daly River. He was an excellent fisherman, admired by all in his tribe as he could always be relied upon to bring food into the camp from his fishing trips. He would provide not only for his family with his daily catch but for other tribes as well. All the women admired his hunting skills. His legendary status grew over time and while the admiration remained, jealousies also started to surface. Some men became concerned that their wives held the fisherman in far too high esteem.
One night he went out fishing and was following by some jealous men from the tribe, who had devised a plan to kill him. While he was fishing, the men crept up behind the man and threw his own fishing net over him. The man struggled and rolled, trying to extract himself from the net but the net only wound itself tighter and tighter, and then men tied him in it and threw him into the river. As he thrashed about in the net, big swirls and bubbles appeared. Eventually, his spirit left his body and the other men hung his body, still wrapped in the fishing net, from a tree. When the fisherman did not return, his wife grew worried and went out looking for him. Eventually, she found him. Overcome with grief, she wrapped herself in her own fishing net and rolled into the river. As she thrashed about the net dug into her skin. Her spirit left her body and she could then join her husband. When the people of the tribe found her body, they hung her next to the body of her husband.
It was in this way that the saltwater crocodile came to the Top End. The story goes that the husband did not die, nor did the wife. They turned into saltwater crocodiles that continue to reproduce.
Awurrapun – Crocodile Story 2 - Ed. 2 of 50
Artwork Details
Medium | Reproduction Print, Canvas, Ready to hang |
Dimensions | 135cm (W) x 90cm (H) x 2cm (D) |
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Artwork Description
Artist Bio
I was born in Cunnamulla, a town in southwestern Queensland, Australia. My yumba, or traditional home, is the land of the Barunggam tribe, one of the many Aboriginal groups that have lived in this region for thousands of years. Discover the Mystical World of Aboriginal Art
Uncover the Secrets of Aboriginal Art - Rich in Symbolism and Storytelling.
The rich tapestry of Aboriginal culture, woven with the vibrant threads of thousands of years of history, is a profound testament to the enduring spirit of Australia's Indigenous peoples. The Barunggam tribe, part of the expansive Wakka Wakka language group, has long been custodians of the land, sharing the Darling Downs with neighboring clans and groups, each with their own unique stories and traditions. These names—Barunggam, Keinjan, Giabal, Jarowair, Bigambal, Kambuwal, Jagara—resonate with the essence of identity, community, and belonging.
In the heart of this cultural mosaic, art emerges as a powerful form of expression, a bridge between past and present, a canvas where the Dreamtime stretches out its ancient roots and flourishes anew. For an artist born of this heritage, art is not merely a hobby; it is a sacred duty, a means of preserving and sharing the wisdom of ancestors. It is a voice for the silent whispers of the land, the stories of the Dreamtime that dance around the fire, igniting the imagination with tales of creation, spirituality, and the deep, abiding connection to the earth.
My drawing inspiration comes from the land of the Barunggam and the teachings of a wise grandad, I paint not just images, but emotions, memories, and the very soul of a people. There is no need for a specific theme when every brush stroke is a word in a life story, every color a note in a song of identity. The art created is a legacy, a message to the world that says, "This is who I am, this is where I come from, and this is the story I have to tell." It is a proud declaration of heritage, a celebration of culture, and a heartfelt tribute to the generations that have walked the land before.
In a world where the past often fades into the shadows of progress, such art stands as a beacon, reminding us all of the enduring power of tradition and the unbreakable bonds of community. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the timeless nature of storytelling through art. For those who come across these works, they offer a window into the soul of the Barunggam, the Wakka Wakka, and all the clans of the Darling Downs—a chance to see the world through the eyes of those who have cherished it for millennia.