- Title: Ngalyod – Rainbow Serpent
- Artist: Allan Nadjamerrek
- Region: Arnhem Land
- Art Centre: Injalak Arts and Crafts
- Medium: Ochre and acrylic on Arches paper
- Collection:
- Dimensions: 78 x 102 cm
- Edition Size: Unique
- Price ($AUD): $ 1,950
Artwork Story
The artist has painted the Rainbow Serpent (Ngalyod), Black Bream (Dunbuhmanj) and Freshwater Crocodile (Kumoken). Ngalyod is regarded as a most important ancestor spirit in Western Arnhem Land. In the Dreamtime she assumed a range of animal forms including snake, kangaroo and crocodile and at times transformed herself from one to the other, or into a combination of each. It is believed that as a serpent she tunnels underground using barbed extensions from her head and the bony protuberance from her neck as aids. It is believed that Ngalyod dwells in various billabongs in Arnhem Land today, sometimes swallowing bininj (the Kunwinjku term for Aboriginal person) as punishment when they break traditional laws. She is often depicted with the leaves of the mandem (water lily) protruding from her back.
This painting bhy Allan Nadjamerrek is part of an exhibition that explores the links between Indigenous cultural heritage, environment and aesthetic traditions of artists from the Stone Country of western Arnhem Land through food and plants (manme) and animals (mayh).
Allan Nadjamerrek is one of a small and unique group of artists who are actively maintaining the distinctive practise associated with the traditions of rock art painting in western Arnhem Land and the knowledge it purveys.
The Stone Country of western Arnhem Land also known as the plateau country adjoins Kakadu National Park. The rocky outcrops of the escarpment dominate the landscape while adjacent flood plains, permanent rivers and billabongs are abundant with life of countless species of animals and plants.
Manme Mayh: Gardens of the Stone Country II focuses on the native plants and animals integral to the culture and traditions of the Kunwinjku speaking people and the spirit figures associated with them. The exhibition highlights cultural associations the Kunwinjku people have with species that include the emu, fruit bats, the kangaroo, black wallaroo, Oenpelli python, water lilies, crocodiles, turtles, fishes, yams, and other plants that provide both food and tools.