Wakih (Leptopalaemon gagadjui) is a kind of freshwater shrimp. It is found only in West Arnhem Land, hence the species name “gagadjui”, derived from Gagudju, the Indigenous name for the language and people of Kakadu. Bininj (Aboriginal people) still catch it today, in billabongs and waterholes where there is a deep section. People catch wakih with a throw net, or put a piece of meat on the end of a fishing line and entice them into the shallows where they can be speared. The Old People used walabi, a net of bush string on a triangular wooden frame.

Wakih ngalbu kayo kore kubowinjku kukku Bokenh nawu mayh ngalkudji wakih ngalbuyika marddarr bokenh bu ngarringun. Dja bu bolkkime djal wakih ngarrimang ngarringun. Korroko dabborrabbolk birrimangi wakih walabi dja bolkkime net nawu balandakenh balanda marnbom kumekke ngarrire kore manlabbarl kore kahdjorlok kumekke ngarrimang ngalbu wakih.

Size 41 x 61 cm | Medium Paper | Catalogue # 2461-22 | Year 2022

Artist  Theo Manmurulu Gulamuwu

Theo is the son of Christine Nabobbob and James Gulamuwu.

He was born in Gunbalanya and went to secondary school at Kormilda College in Darwin. 

Theo has worked as a tour guide for Jawoyn in the Katherine region as well as for various other organisations around the top end and interstate. He holds a certificate in Tourism (Australian Indigenous Culture).

Theo works as a screen printer, Injalak Hill Tour Guide as well as painting. 

further details

Size 41 x 61 cm
Medium  Paper
Catalogue # 2461-22
Year 2022