Fish and Turtle
Date1960s
Object number00055500
NamePainting
Mediumsynthetic polymer paint on board
DimensionsOverall (Framed): 546 × 428 × 45 mm, 1659 g
Overall (Painting): 570 × 440 × 4 mm
Overall (Painting): 570 × 440 × 4 mm
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection
DescriptionThis image of turtles and fish by Dick Nangabarra, based at Bartalumba Bay on the north coast of the island of Groote Eylandt, shows the cultural and practical significance of marine life to the Anindilyakwa. Today Groote Eylandt is recognised as an internationally significant location for nesting marine turtles.HistoryThe Warnindilyakwa Aboriginal people are the traditional owners of the Groote Eylandt archipelago region and are referred to by their language name, Anindilyakwa. Cultural traditions, knowledge and skills are still practiced in this community and are passed on to the younger Anindilyakwa generations by their families. Painting and weaving skills are taught and the region is known for a unique style of dash paintings which also feature a distinct black background.
Marine life are common motifs of these works and speak of the strong ties to the ocean that exist throughout the Groote Eylandt archipelago.
SignificanceThis image of turtles and fish by Dick Nangabarra, based at Bartalumba Bay on the north coast of the island of Groote Eylandt, shows the cultural and practical significance of marine life to the Anindilyakwa. Today Groote Eylandt is recognised as an internationally significant location for nesting marine turtles.
