AM 411/02 Bob Namundja Namarnkol and Namardakka 2002
Ochres on Arches Paper Mid 610 x 420mm 2034-02 $490
Various edible fish and reptiles are found in the billabongs, water courses and wetlands that occur through Arnhem Land in the "Top End" of Australia. The artist has painted a namarnkol or barramundi (centre image), the renowned game fish of the 'Top End' of Australia. They grow to extraordinary sizes and are excellent eating. The namarnkol can be found in saltwater as well as freshwater billabongs and rivers. These fish have significance as food and as totems and are most easily caught after the end of the monsoon (March -April) until the humid build-up season (October). The artist has also painted two namardakka or nail fish. Namardakka frequent the freshwater billabongs and flood plains of the Top End. They are a supplementary food source for the Aboriginal people.