In the old days, people used banyan root fibres and kurrajong bark fibres to make string for fish traps. The framework of the conical trap was made with thicker bush cane, such as Flagellaria indica (known as karrawukka, midjakkorr or bardedde). The mouth of the fish trap was made with inward-facing canes, so fish could push in but not escape again. The traps could be up to several meters long. Often a fence would be constructed across a creek, with the trap in the center to force the fish in. Pieces of yam might also be placed in the trap to entice fish. They could be left out overnight or for a couple of days. When people brought the trap in, the conical end could simply be untied and the fish distributed.

Manbu mandjabu korroko dabborrabbolk birrimangi kunyarl kore manbornde mandedjmad kunyarl dja kore kundulk manbudbud kunyarl. Wanjh birribokdengi kunyal birrimarnbuni wanjh mandjabu birrimarnbuni. Birridjuhkeyi kore kukku wanjh djenj kumrey ngimerreni kore mandjabu wanjh birrimangi nawern djenj.

Size 41 x 61 cm; ochre on arches paper | Medium Paper | Catalogue # 1467-21 | Year 2021

Artist  Samson Namundja

Samson Namundja is the son of Dianne Ginjmulu and Bob Wanurr Namundja. 

Samson learned to paint from Lofty, and his father as well as other old men along with Gabriel Maralngurra, Graham Badari, and Glen Namundja.

Samson mostly paints in x-ray style inspired by the rock art but also uses rarrk (cross hatching).

He paints many animals, as well as dreaming stories such as Yawk Yawks and Namarkkon.

Samson also paints Walabi (fishing nets) which he remembers seeing the old people use when he was young.

For him, painting is an important part of culture that should be continued into the future, and wants children to learn and carry on the practice.

further details

Size 41 x 61 cm; ochre on arches paper
Medium  Paper
Catalogue # 1467-21
Year 2021