Arnhemland

Aboriginal people throughout Australia undertook rituals which were designed to result in the increase of various natural species. The Rembarrnga people of Central Arnhem Land tell of the spirit being Wurum who had a human form and carried fish in dilly bags. He is sometimes depicted with fins called konno on his legs and arms suggesting a transformational human-fish nature.

In order to create an abundance of certain fish species, Rembarrnga people would draw in image of Wurum on the side of a tree. They would then call out the following invocation, Deny ngarra-jalman ngarr-mangara, “We want to get fish”. Following this they would sleep for a night and then it is said that there would be an increase in fish. Wurum is associated with a site called Kukaddjerre in the Balngarra clan estate south of Maningrida.

These spirits have functions in addition to their role in ensuring a good supply of fish. Burruwal described a paperbark Wurum he constructed as the “true” or original form. This suggests that the more solid wooden carving may have been a later innovation. The artist explained that “in the early days” these paperbark figures would be placed, standing upright, around a sacred site for two distinct purposes: to watch and ward off evil spirits, and to ensure a safe return from fishing trips.