Bandarr Wirrpanda
Yoku
89cm x 36.5cm

ID: 2004-24

Yoku is the edible bulbs of the water plant Nyamnyam Aponogeton vanbruggennii known as NT Lace Plant. The songs talk of the spirit women gathering these from the waters of the Wayuwu River which like the Milŋiyawuy can be seen as the Milky Way and simultaneously as the reservoir of souls of the Maŋgalili clan of the Yirritja moiety.

They collect them in their womblike bol’pu (woven conical dilly bags.

When the time of the monsoon floods come they are swept away. The bank erodes and catches the bag. The bulbs tumble downstream to the river’s opening and eventually meet the sea. These are the as yet unborn children of the clan being carried away by the flood waters of the Wayawu River. 

When dots appear in the design these are the bubbles which are created when Yolŋu collecting the bulbs walk in the water and the bubbles come up from the soft mud at their feet.