Aboriginal Painting - Blue Tongue Lizard

Aboriginal Painting Title: Blue Tongue Lizard
Aboriginal Artist: Debra McDonald Nangala
Size: 90 x 60 cm Unframed
Medium: Acrylic on canvas

Authenticity:
COA and photos holding and signing her work will be provided.

Story:

The Blue-tongue Lizard Dreamtime story centers around the lizard called Kurrih and a dillybag known as Bulbbe.

In this Dreamtime story, a man was crafting a dillybag, or Bulbbe, to carry food while gathering bush tucker. As he worked, he noticed a group of enemies approaching, intent on spearing and killing him. Fearing for his life, the man transformed himself into a blue-tongue lizard, called Kurrih, and crawled inside the Bulbbe to hide.

The Bulbbe was made from the string of the kurrajong tree, known for its hard and tightly woven texture. While Kurrih was inside, the string stuck to his back. This is why the skin of the blue-tongue lizard is so tough and resilient, making it impervious to bites from predators like the king brown snake. Kurrih’s skin remains as strong and hard as a tightly woven Bulbbe.

This story not only provides insight into the ingenious ways of the ancestors but also highlights the deep connection between nature and Aboriginal mythology. By understanding this Dreamtime story, you can gain a greater appreciation for the significance of the blue-tongue lizard in Aboriginal culture and the profound wisdom embedded in these ancient tales.