Merreng teen Kuuyang gunditj 2000

Summary

"Merreng teen Kuuyang gunditj" - belonging to the land of the Eel. Kuuyanng is swimming downstream to the ocean to breed. The young eel return, swimming upstream to their ancestral homes to continue in the birth - death - rebirth cycle. The possum skin cloak (nyootypoorteen) designs represent the women country and relationships. We maintain as keepers of kinship lines, and places in country. In 2000 the City of Melbourne commissioned Aboriginal artists to create a series of banners based on the traditional stories of nations and clan groups in Victoria. The artworks depict symbols, landmarks, animals and stories that are important to the tribes and clans of southern Australia as well as to the artists themselves. Some of the animals and landmarks include: the eel or Kuuyang of the Kirrae Wurrong clan in south western Victoria; the sand dunes and river red gums of the Yorta Yorta people who live beside the Murray River; and the carved shield patterns of the Bra Baloong clan of east Gippsland. The project was called Toom-buk Toom-nangi - Telling Their Stories and was coordinated by Kimba Thompson.