Silk Scarf - Goongoolooloo Scarf by Alan Griffiths

This painting, rendered in natural ochres and pigments, carries the weight of a lifetime’s custodianship — a living document of Country, story and cultural authority. His mapping and naming of Country is evidence of his intimate knowledge of a vast landscape and ultimately his ownership of traditional lands.

Goongoolooloo depicts Wickham River country, part of Alan’s traditional Country near Timber Creek in the Northern Territory. The work maps the intricate waterways and landmarks with intimate detail, including Karnaranni (Runaway Creek), Thoogarni (Wally Creek), and Warwal (Quart Pot Creek) flowing towards the Victoria River.

Between the creeks lie significant places: Cowboy Knob and Billabong, Warwal Hill with its small rocky knob, and Warrwi Hill. Alan recalled “Long time ago a bloke got hit on the head here by a billy can” at Thjamarroo — Billy Can Creek. His paintings document a vast Country with precision and affection, carrying forward the stories entrusted to him.

89cm x 100cm 16mm 100% silk satin with hand rolled edges and double sided printing.