Marrnyula Munuŋgurr
Ganŋal
50 x 30cm; Paper: HAHNEMUHLE 40 x 60cm

ID: 28-16

As told by the Artist:
This story is about the river at Waŋdawuy homeland.
During Rarranhdharr (dry season) the mayaŋ (river) water level drops. Yolŋu go down to the river, first they stand still in the flow and feel the water for fish.
Some of the other yolŋu make a fish trap from small trees and branches. They block the mayaŋ to catch all the fish inside. Then yolŋu throw Dhaŋgi (Bush Mango/ billy goat plum-Planchonia careya)into the water, then they wait for the fish to come to the surface, then yolŋu go into the water with spears and collect the fish within the fishtrap.
They cook them in a gundirr (termite nest) oven. Fish that we catch are Ganŋal (catfish-represented as the orange fish in the etching), The dark brown fish are called Dhunum (sleepy cod).The background lines represent the freshwater at Waŋdawuy.
The Dhangi ceremony is for the people of Waŋdawuy. This knowledge is passed on from generation to generation. It represents time, place, tradition, and knowledge kept by all Djapu people. Printed May 2010 (FMP 3KK)