Ganybu
2014-2015
- Medium
- earth pigments on Stringybark (Eucalyptus sp.)
- Measurements
- (1-434) 360.3 × 710.0 × 418.0 cm (variable) (installation)
- Place/s of Execution
- Yirrkala, Northern Territory
- Accession Number
- 2015.176.1-434
- Department
- First Nations Australia
- Credit Line
- National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased, Victorian Foundation for Living Australian Artists, 2015
© Marrnyula Mununggurr, courtesy of Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre, Yirrkala - Gallery location
- Not on display
- About this work
-
This installation of small barks, one larrakitj (hollow log) and stringybark shavings represents the ganybu (fish trap) and waters of Marrnyula Mununggurr’s homeland or place of the Shark’s head. The miny’tji (design) of vertical and horizontal lines references the structure of the trap, whereas diagonal or crosshatched lines signify water – the source of the Djapu soul in various states. The inverted triangular shape of barks references a handheld ganybu made from two interlocked branches, which is used to catch catfish during the dry season. Stringybark shavings are scattered across the gallery floor to give visitors a sensation of being on Country, through the scent and texture of the stringybark.