Jabiru Carving by Rufus Namponan

This wood carved Jabiru is by Rufus Namponan. The Black-necked Stork can be seen throughout the monsoonal areas of northern Australia.

‘Before time, our old people carved all their totems including crocodile, echidna and kangaroo. Each carving has a relationship to a Story Place called Awa’. There are plenty of Awa’ across the Wik & Kugu Lands. These places are forbidden to the uninitiated and are considered Ngench Thayan (Sacred Place). The men’s and women’s art forms from Aurukun are all linked to these places. When we carve our totems, we are sharing our stories from these important places’.