Images(3)

Mandjabu - Barramundi Fish Trap

Artist Anchor Galunba (1917-1996)

Datec 1985

Object number00000449

NameFish trap

MediumMilil vine and manben (wood)

DimensionsOverall: 500 x 2420 x 500 mm
Display Dimensions: 2770 x 600 x 600 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThis barramundi fish trap by Anchor Galunba is known as a mandjabu and comes from Western Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. It is woven from milil vine with manben (wood) pieces used to provide the conical shape. Fish traps such as this are used in tidal pools of creeks to harvest fish, especially barramundi. A fence of wooden stakes is strung across a narrow part of a creek with an opening left for the fish to pass through. As the tide turns and the fish swim back, the traps are set. The fish enters the wide mouth of the trap and are caught in the tied end. HistoryOn the plains country between the Liverpool and Tomkinson Rivers are several meandering shallow creeks that in places spread out into quite wide pools. In the upper reaches are large areas of mangulaidj reeds, which support a big fish population until they dry up about the middle of the year. It is on the lower tidal parts of the creeks that mandjabu are used, with tremendous effect in harvesting barramundi. The richness of the traditional area brought people from as far away as Gotjanjinjirra on the Cadell River to join in the feast in the early dry or 'cold weather time'. Most of the population from Mormega outstation move to Bulgai and Mimumya each year to trap and spear barramundi. To make mandjabu a thin vine called milil is used with another small tree used to make the hoops. A fence of stakes, paperbark, reeds and grass is made on a narrow, tidal section of the creek. An opening is left for the barramundi to travel up with the tide. When the tide turns, the manjabu is put into place. When the manjabu fills, the opening is blocked and the trap removed and untied at the back for the fish to be removed. SignificanceThis fish trap shows the unique adaptation of local land resources for a marine requirement. Anchor Galunba was for many years the senior custodian of Mumeka outstation and of the fish trapping activities on Bulkay Creek.