GREEN TURTLE HUNTING and COOKING - the YOLNGU WAY
Greetings from Yarraman As most of you know, Nancy and I have spent many years living and working in remote communities in the Northern Territory - initially amongst the Yolngu people of north east Arnhem Land. During those times we have enjoyed experiences that few people get to enjoy. I would like to share one with you. Recently, while going through some old photos I came across a sequence, when I accompanied three Yolngu men hunting green turtles and then the subsequent cooking process. Two of these men are no longer with us so out of respect for Yolngu customs I will not use their names but instead use their 'malk' or calling name. In the photo below, Ngarritj holds the harpoon while two brothers assist - both Gudjuk. Narritj is the Yolngu man who adopted me back in 1984 hence I also have this same calling name. The Gudjuk on the right is the Yolngu man I worked with when I first went to Arnhem Land - a dear friend. I have many great memories of working...