Ginga by Nicodemus Nayilibidj
Ginga by Nicodemus Nayilibidj
“I grew up in Adelaide River but we used to stay at Pine Creek, but my father he got locked up and went to jail, so we went to Gunbalunya back in the 70’s. In 74’ we went to Darwin and in 76 I went to Berrimah College. I see them old people painting, painting was a way to make money, get food, either that or go bush to get food. Old Lofty, Old Jimmy, they taught me to paint. I know many stories now, I paint them.”
The Ginga, a saltwater crocodile, is the totem animal to many indigenous people throughout western Arnhem Land and Kakadu. They are also a food source, though their hunting takes a lot of effort. Especially the old Gingas are highly respected by the locals, as they would rather try to move them instead of hunting them, in case they make their way into the locals territory.
Dimensions: 51cm W x 40.5cm H | Acrylic on Canvas