CreatorPhyllis ThomasTitleDaiwal NgarrangkarniDate2006MediumOchre on canvasDimensions60cm x 90cmArtist StatementPhyllis has painted a version of the Daiwal (Barramundi) Dreaming that is an important part of the Kitja Women's Culture. The Senior women paint this design in ochre on the top half of their bodies for dancing, cultural meetings and ceremonies. The piece is compelling, with the Barramundi scales symbolically depicted as part of a strongly worked landscape background.
The Barramundi Dreaming sites are secret places where the Kitja Women meet to discuss the Law, initiate the young women and pass their culture to the young ones. One of the favourite Ngarrangkarni (Dreamtime) stories is told by the women that long time ago, the women were fishing for Barramundi with woven nets. One escaped from the net and sailed right over the Kitja land, dropping its scales to make the diamonds in the area. I believe the Tradition of the Barramundi Dreaming is far deeper than this story.
Daiwal (Barramundi) Dreaming has been painted in various ways by most of the Kitja ochre artists, including Lena Nyadbi, Goody Barratt and the late Queenie McKenzie.Accession Number034.2019Access AdviceFor research purposes only. No reproduction without permission of Yarrila Arts and Museum.
