DJAWIDA NADJONGORLE - KINGA (SALTWATER CROCODILE)
DJAWIDA NADJONGORLE
KINGA (SALTWATER CROCODILE), 2002
69 x 27.5 cm
natural earth pigments on bark
REGION
Oenpelli Western Arnhem Land, NT
PROVENANCE
Injalak Arts, Gunbalanya NT
Cooee Gallery, Sydney
STORY
Kinga, the saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus) is a highly respected and feared animal, associated with many Dreaming sites in Arnhem Land. In the past it was also hunted for food. Kinga can travel in salt water or fresh water, and often travel long distances between river systems. Kinga make their nests in the long grass or forest areas close to rivers, billabongs and water holes. These are piles of mud and vegetation where they lay their eggs. They are very aggressive around their nests. Kinga are often depicted alongside their prey such as namarnkol (barramundi).
Nawu kinga nakka nabang mayh, minj karrikilekme karriborrkbun wardi kanbaye kanbun karridowen. Karriwern karrikengeme bininj dja mayh warridj dja bu korroko nahni mayh kinga birringuni dja Djang warridj ngadberre kadjangdi kore kubolkwern kunred ngadberre. Kinga nungan mayh kayawan kangun kare kore kurrula dja kare kore kubowinjku kukku. Kinga karedmarnbun kore kungarre kurralk kore kukku darnkih djengkeh kamarnbun wanjh wirllarrk kawirllarkngukdeng dja darnkih kayiyo nawu wirllarrk. Bu ngiredyikan darnkih kore wirllarrk kahyo nuye wanjh ngunbaye ngunbun.
(Text: Andrew Manakgu)
ARTIST PROFILE
