
Barlangu (shark) is one of the most important ancestors for Balngarra clan. During the creation period, barlangu travelled with barrangu (Saratoga). It journeyed from Yirrkala in east Arnhem Land and transformed into a rock at Malnjangarnak, which is also called bulmaji (hammerhead shark). Barlangu shares a song line with wankurr, a sacred mardayin ceremonial dilly bag and also kunkaninj (digging stick), which is used to dig yams. These totemic ancestors are all duwa moiety and share the same songline. Barlangu connects coastal and inland country. “It’s the same saltwater from the Blyth River to Kinoedjanga”, Balang explains. “It can be really dangerous to get too close to that water. If you’re in a plane or boat, it’ll suck up that water and try and kill you. You must always go around.”
This painting depicts manjabu (conical fish trap). It is placed in the river with fish fences on either side and the fish swim in and get trapped. They after often made from a thick jungle vine called milil, but sometimes softer fibres are used, such as sedge grass, to make smaller traps.
Artistdavid brianMaterialsnatural pigment paint on eucalyptus barkSize132 x 70 cmEditionuniqueGallerycourtesy of aboriginal signature estrangin gallery