Salt Water Animals in the Gulf

Yanyuwa and Marra people are saltwater people and gathering food from the sea has been an important way of life for thousands of years. Dugout canoes, hand made harpoons, spears and fish traps were vital tools and vehicles to maintain food  provision for families.

In the very early days the canoes were made from bark lashed together with twine made from Pandanus. Later when the Macassan traders began visiting and trading with Yanyuwa and Marra people they taught them how to build more sturdy ‘dugout’ canoes.

Today the people continue with their love of fishing and seafood using modern boats and handlines. Many still know the art of carving dugout canoes and will occasionally produce these traditional items for cultural purposes. 

Medium: watercolour on paper

Artwork Size: 23 x 37cm

Catalogue No: 36-22