Garranali
Djambawa MARAWILI A.M.: artist
Garranali is the sacred and dangerous area where Baru the crocodile nest on Madarrpa clan land. This Garranali is away inland up a creek to an area marked by an oasis of tall trees and forest surrounded by the expanses of a 'featureless' flood plain. Here freshwater bubbles to the surface to mix with the serge of saltwater tidal contamination. During the dry, considerable heat shimmers across the dust, remaining inaccessible without rights of passage when inundated with flood waters during the wet.
Baru the ancestral crocodile ventures here from Yathikpa, bringing the power and authority of the Ancestral Fire with him. The sacred clan desigh of cross hatched ribbon swirling flamelike indeed denote this fertile mix of waters and fire in this sacred area. Garranali is revered as a reservoir of Madarrpa soal
To venture into these parts is for those with appropriate knowledge and the preparedness for the intense heat of fire and the ire of the crocodile.
Baru the ancestral crocodile ventures here from Yathikpa, bringing the power and authority of the Ancestral Fire with him. The sacred clan desigh of cross hatched ribbon swirling flamelike indeed denote this fertile mix of waters and fire in this sacred area. Garranali is revered as a reservoir of Madarrpa soal
To venture into these parts is for those with appropriate knowledge and the preparedness for the intense heat of fire and the ire of the crocodile.
Title
Garranali
Artist/Maker and role
Djambawa MARAWILI A.M.: artist
Date
2010
Medium
etching and screenprint on Hahnemuhle paper
Measurements
62.0 x 49.0 cm (image)
79.0 x 68.0 cm (paper)
79.0 x 68.0 cm (paper)
Production place
Yirrkala, East Arnhem Land, Northern Territory
Credit line
Purchased through The Leah Jane Cohen Bequest, The Art Gallery of Western Australia Foundation, 2014
Licenced by Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre, 2020
The State Art Collection, The Art Gallery of Western Australia
Accession number
2014/0075