Djabayéna (Ancestral sawfish spirit) and Makéddja (Turtle) by Verity Bangarra

Djabayéna (Ancestral sawfish spirit) and Makéddja (Turtle)

Djabayéna is a highly significant creation spirit that is part of the symbolic identity of the Ndjébbana speaking Kunibidji people of West Arnhem Land. 

A large Djabayéna form is found at the opening of the Liverpool river on the western point of Maningrida.

‘When tide in and then tide out we can see it’s up there round the corner on the point. There is one Djabayéna, really big. He sleep all the time here. Our dreaming, Djabayéna. We make t-shirt and they play football – home ground with Djabayéna.’ Verity Bangarra