We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

Title

Garrtjambal - kangaroo

(1985)

Artist

George Milpurrurru

Australia

1934 – 03 Oct 1998

Language group: Ganalbingu, Arnhem region

  • Details

    Place where the work was made
    Central Arnhem Land Northern Territory Australia
    Date
    (1985)
    Media category
    Bark painting
    Materials used
    natural pigments on bark
    Dimensions
    160.0 x 90.0 cm
    Signature & date

    Not signed. Not dated.

    Credit
    Purchased 1985
    Location
    Not on display
    Accession number
    215.1985
    Copyright
    © Estate of George Milpurrurru, Bula'Bula Arts/Copyright Agency

    Reproduction requests

    Artist information
    George Milpurrurru

    Works in the collection

    3

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  • About

    Garrtjambal the kangaroo came from the eastern shore of the Glyde River and went northwards. He was being chased by dogs and when he sat down, he made a waterhole which is called Gamalkan and other features in the land around Ramingining. Whenever he stopped, he was chased by the dogs who followed him up Ramingining Creek to the outskirts of the present day village. Here he left his tail and testicles which metamorphosed into rocks. As the dogs continued to chase him, he headed north through Yathalamarra and jumped over to Milingimbi. As he travelled he taught his people songs, dances and ceremonies.

  • Places

    Where the work was made

    Central Arnhem Land

  • Exhibition history

    Shown in 1 exhibition

    • Gamarada, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 15 Nov 1996–16 Feb 1997

Other works by George Milpurrurru