Gangan

The artist produced this painting at Gangan, an important site for the Dhalwangu people of the Yirritja moiety (one of two major groupings into which all the clans in the region are divided). The painting refers to Barama, the foundation ancestor for the Yirritja clans. He floated down river to Gangan, where he met with his 'disciples' Lany'tjun and Galparimun, to perform ceremonies and spread the lore to all Yirritja groups. Minhala, the long-necked turtle, is the artist's major totem, who is associated with fresh water, as is Barama. Minhala is escorted from the headwaters at Gangan by Wurran the diver duck, Ganytjurr the heron, Dakawa the freshwater crayfish, Garkman the frog and Baypinnga the saratoga. These animals witnessed Barama and Lany'tjun performing their rituals and are also associated with the foundation of the Yirritja lore. The diamonds and pattern of wavy parallel lines is the sacred Dhalwangu clan design for fresh water. This site in the Gangan River is the boundary between the brackish water (caused by the incoming salt water from coastal tides) and the fresh water. The painting's design changes from the central line to represent the area further downstream with its brackish water. The river continues into an area called Burraltja, floodplain country for Mundukul the Dhalwangu Lightning Snake. Upon the first seasonal taste of fresh water flowing into this area, the snake rises on its tail and spits lightning into the sky to herald the change. Burraltja is a country shared with the Madarrpa clan. It is a meeting place. However, these elliptical saltwater designs belong to the Dhalwangu clan exclusively. The Madarrpa paint this country differently.—Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre © Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory