BERGENET (Drawings)

KULIN NATION

Bunjil created the earth and the Kulin Nation and this drawing of five Bunjil (Wedge Tailed Eagle) feathers represents the five tribes of the eastern Kulin people.

The different but similar symbols in Bunjils feathers represent the language and culture of the five tribes which are Boon Wurrung, Woiwurrung, Taung Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, and Wauthurung.

The small inverted v’s inside the other section of Bunjils feathers is his ability to live between the earth and the spirit world.

The subtle half circles in the background are Bunjils law and the importance of the Kulin people to follow his law. This design weaves its way throughout the background and also represents all other living things and the elements that make up our world and the balance between it.

DERRENGO BA NGURNDABIL (Cultural Change)

Cultural charge is about real power in the land and sky. The lightning & thunder charges everything that it touches and sends a reminder to us all that we belong to, and are part of, the same cycle.

Indigenous Art Award 2005 Shortlist. See Awards and Exhibitions

BILI - AL (Blue Tongue Lizards by the Waterhole)

This drawing is of Bili-al, the blue tongue lizards, around the Benelta, waterhole. They are tucker that my people ate before non-indigenous people came here.

BILI (Blue Tougue Lizards)

Bili the Bluetongue Lizard eats all sorts of small creatures and only takes what he needs. He follows Bunjils Law and wears his markings.

WARENDJ (Wombat)

Warendj the wombat is a solitary fella. He is a vegetarian who spends most of the day in his burrow and feeds at night. He follows Bunjils Law and wears his markings.

WADHERUNG (Platypus)

Wadherung the Platypus is a good indicator for river health. He is a busy little fella that lives in the water and on the land. He follows Bunjils Law and wears his markings.

BUNJIL'S LAW

The first layer represents Bunjil’s law and he created the earth and everything in and on it. The second layer represents all the seeds of the plants and animals that Bunjil created. The third layer is represented by Goornmil (tiger snake) and he follows Bunjil’s law by only taking what he needs. The last layer represents the person (you) and it has a combination of all these elements inside them and is essential for any person to be the best that they can.

This was a commissioned work for Monash University.

MIRRM LAIGURN (Leading Male Kangaroo)

Mirrm Laigurn (leading male kangaroo) continually fight to keep control over their females. The colours and designs in this drawing demonstrate the big fellas dominance in the mob.