Djul’djul Gurruwiwi
Brolga
222 x 17cm

ID: 1820-25

Ḏaŋgultji the brolga is depicted here at Garrimala (near Gaṉgaṉ). Garrimala is a site of a sacred waterhole that has ownership with the artists of the Galpu clan. This place is associated with Wititj, the all powerful rainbow serpent (olive python) that travelled through Gälpu clan lands and on further, during the days of early times called Waŋarr.

The power and beauty of Wititj  is represented by the crosshatched Djari (rainbow) and the lightning. The sun shining against the scales of the snake form a prism of light like a rainbow. The power of the lightning is made manifest when they strike their tongue, the thunder being the sound they make as they move along the ground.

The sacred clan design for Gälpu country has been used in the background of this painting. This miny’tji (linework) also refers to the power of the storm created by Wititj, the diagonal lines representing trees that have been knocked down as Wititj moves from place to place. The ribs of the snake also form the basis of the sacred design here.

The lilies are part of the matrix of icons connected to this place.