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The Indigenous
people of north-east Arnhem Land, collectively know as Yolηu, have
roamed the area for at least 60,000 years, hunting fish and bush animals
as well as collecting seasonal bush food.
According to
traditional beliefs, the landscape of the region and its inhabitants
were brought into being during the travels of the Creator ancestors long
ago. As the ancestors travelled the land, naming and creating as
they went, they left people behind and gave them the knowledge they
needed to survive and look after what had been named. This
knowledge finds its expression in everyday life; and through the
performance of ceremonies, the past is recreated. The ritual
designs painted on bodies, together with songs and dances, retell the
journey and deeds of the totemic ancestors.
Arnhem Land
is the cultural home of the Digeridoo (the proper name is the Yidaki).
The responsibility for this culture rests with one man. Djalu Gurruwiwi,
a remarkable man and the master of both making and playing this ancient
instrument.
Visit the
Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre
located at the Yirrkala community; the
Nambara Arts & Crafts Gallery; and
Galupa Arts on the shores of Melville
Bay, for art from north-east Arnhem Land where local artists allow
visitors to see the art in the making.
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