Bäru
As told by Noŋgirrŋa Marawili (the artist).
There is a place called Baniyala where monuk gapu (saltwater) and raypiny gapu (freshwater) mix. The freshwater comes up from underneath and mixes with the tidal saltwater. The baru are hunting for Gunbirrirr (fish), chasing them through these waters. The place is surrounded by mangroves, only men are allowed to go to this place. there is dhaŋaŋ baru there (lots of crocodiles). If you go into the muŋutji (middle of the waterhole) there is a sinking hole and you have to hold onto dharpa (wood).
The name of the sinking hole is Lorr (underground tunnels for the crocodiles). It is also a very special place for the Maḏarrpa people. The yolngu paint the special inside story onto bark. This print has the outer version of the same hunting story. Baru signifies the bringing of fire for the Maḏarrpa people.
$300.00
Bäru ga Gatapaŋa
As told by Barrmula Yunupiŋu (the artist).
‘A long time ago there was a bäru (crocodile) and gatapaŋa (buffalo) and they were happy. The Gatapaŋa was grazing grass and Bäru was in the billabong.
One day Bäru was very hungry. He had been looking at Gatapaŋa for a very long time. He said he wanted to talk with Gatapaŋa. Bäru was clever; he tricked Gatapaŋa and ate him.
I knew this had happened because I saw Bäru’s footprints at the billabong. I followed the footprints and then saw the buffalo bones.
Bäru was happy because he had a good feed, but it was bad luck for Gatapaŋa.’
$250.00