Yawkyawk are often likened to the mythical mermaids of European tales
Deep within the heart of Australia's stone country, amidst the gentle flow of freshwater streams, resides a mystical being shrouded in legend and lore—the Yawkyawk, or Ngalkunburriyaymi, the fish-women spirit. These ethereal entities hold a revered place in indigenous Australian mythology, weaving their enchanting presence into the cultural fabric of the land.
Jimmy Njiminjuma, 1984, Yawk Yawk, Art Gallery of NSW
The Kuninjku people, custodians of this ancient knowledge, describe the Yawkyawk as enigmatic water spirits, their tails adorned with the scales of fish, and their long hair trailing with blooms of green algae. Known locally as ngalberddjenj, or 'the woman who has a tail like a fish,' these spirits traverse between their aquatic homes and the dry land, casting their mystical aura, especially under the cloak of night.
According to Aboriginal beliefs, during the creation of the world, ancestral heroes metamorphosed into animals and spirits through a series of profound events recorded as oral mythologies. Today, the Kuninjku maintain that Ngalkunburriyaymi dwell in sacred freshwater sites across the land, sharing their sanctuaries with other spiritual beings such as the rainbow serpent Ngalyod.
Intriguingly, these mystical beings are believed to have husbands and children of their own kind, further deepening the spiritual tapestry of their existence. Some Yawkyawk sites hold ritual significance, with depictions showing the spirits holding ceremonial string—a nod to the ancient traditions woven into the fabric of indigenous culture.
Venturing into the stone country south and southwest of Maningrida unveils the sacred sites where the presence of Ngalkunburriyaymi is palpable. Bolerrhlerr on the Mann River, with its rugged rocky banks and hidden clefts beneath stone overhangs, serves as a testament to the spiritual richness of the land. Further west, in the Kumadderr River district, lies another sacred site surrounded by ancient rock art, affectionately known as the 'Dreaming Lady.'
Yet, it is the major yawkyawk dreaming place, guarded by the traditional Dangkorlo clan custodians, that stands as a beacon of spiritual significance. So profound is its importance that an outstation has been established nearby, symbolizing the spiritual and practical responsibility entrusted to these custodians.
As the Yawkyawk continue to grace the waters with their presence, they serve as guardians of Australia's waterways, embodying the ancient wisdom and spiritual essence of the land. Theirs is a legacy woven into the very fabric of indigenous culture—a testament to the enduring connection between humanity and the natural world.
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