CreatorDenise BuchananTitleNgambaa Baga Baga (Dreaming Creation)Date2022MediumAcrylic on compressed fibre cement (CFC)DimensionsH. 2000mm x W. 1000mm x D. 20mmArtist StatementMy artwork tells the story of the Baga Baga (Knee) that was imprinted into the land of the Nyambaga Bindarray Nyirrna, the beautiful Nambucca river of Gumbaynggirr land.
Back in The Dreamtime, south of Gumbaynggirr land, lived our people called the Ngambaa people. In The Dreaming, these Ngambaa people were giants. They were giant men compared to the local men of our tribe which scared some of our local tribesmen.
One day, when an Ngambaa man was walking from the south to the north, to Nambucca Heads. We knew about these Ngambaa giants, however, the people from the north didn’t know them very well. As the Ngambaa giant got closer and closer, the people of the north grew very frightened and speared him. When the Ngambaa man fell, his knee created the bend in the river, which became the Nambucca Gumbaynggirr River. That's how Nambucca got its name, the Ngambaa giant men and the Baga Baga (Knee) formed the bend in the river. Ngambaa Baga Baga (Nambucca). The black tailed cockatoo represents the Ngamba man’s spirit flying over his imprint on the land.Specific Place[1] Accession NumberP2023.6.1Access AdviceFor research purposes only. No reproduction without permission of City of Coffs Harbour.
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Description
Representing the Ngambaga clan on Gumbaynggirr country, this painting depicts the black tailed cockatoo flying over a bend in the Nambucca Gumbaynggirr River. Acrylic on compressed fibre cement (CFC).
Part of the Gumbaynggirr Art Trail at Yarrila Place. The trail showcases a collection of six artworks, created by Gumbaynggirr artists, representing each of the six clan groups on Gumbaynggirr country – Bagawa, Garby, Garlambirla, Yurrunga, Ngambaga and Gambalamam.
This immersive experience invites visitors to embark on a cultural journey through Gumbaynggirr Country while guiding them through Yarrila Place, from its ground floor to the rooftop terrace.
