File Snakes with Water Lilies by Timothy Djandjomerr

 Timothy Djandjomerr

As with many aboriginal artists, Timothy Djandjomerr paints the stories he was told as a small child. He paints with 'grass' which is the stem of a freshwater reed that has many fibres inside. These are prepared to the thickness required for his Skin Group. The thickness of the lines and the way they are applied are very important - besides Skin, they tell the Clan and Country of the artist. 

Nawarndak, the file snake, is an aquatic snake that can grow up to 2.5 metres in length and survives on a monthly snack of fish found in the Kakadu waterways. Considered a delicacy highly prized for its rich fat and eggs, Nawarndak is cooked over hot coals. Not an easy catch, they're generally collected when the water levels are low as they congregate around the banks and tree trunks along the water's edge to escape the heat of the day. However hunters need to be super cautious not to become someone else's dinner due to the high population of saltwater crocodiles cruising around the river systems in Kakadu.

Dimensions: 61cm W x 50cm H

This artwork has been purchased directly from an Aboriginal artist in Kakadu National Park or Arnhem Land. Ochre Art Gallery is committed to supporting artists, their families and the local community.