“This design I made is the little goanna– in our Alawa language we call it Darbalun. We have them for lunch when we go out hunting for animals. We've lived on this animal for 65000 years, since time began! You catch it by lifting up a rock (they live under the rock). Then you chuck it in the coals - or make a stone oven (Ardarl in Alawa language). Every meat tastes like chicken, but chicken doesn’t describe it – it’s a taste to die for! There's a bigger goanna too – Warjindu in Alawa. The bigger goanna is my ‘second boss’; we both own each other, in our culture. We share ceremony, and share the same cultural state.
Darbalun (Goanna) by Samuel Daylight
Each person is connected with an animal – for me it’s kangaroo, and the bigger goanna. These are my totems. My mother’s father, and my grandmother - my mum’s side of family - represent the goanna. And the goanna also represents this land, Alawa Country, Minyerri. This is goanna country.
I made this design in April 2018; I’m pretty excited to see it in a shirt! Now I’m wearing this shirt it makes me feel happy – what this little animal has helped me achieve!”
“Each person is connected with an animal – for me it’s kangaroo, and the bigger goanna. These are my totems. ”
Blog posts
Visiting Mparntwe (Alice Springs) and the Ewyenper Atwatye artists
Magpie Goose team returned to Mparntwe to visit the Ewyenper Atwatye artists, coordinate a fun little photoshoot, host a pop-up shop, and soak in all the beautiful artwork while connecting with so ...
Magpie Goose takes Gold at the Clean + Conscious Awards 2024
Magpie Goose has received the Gold award for Best Sustainable Womenswear at the Clean + Conscious Awards 2024!
Empowering Communities and Protecting Country: Our Special Collaboration with Firesticks Alliance
Our collaboration with Firesticks Alliance is a really special opportunity to learn. We interview Rachel Steffensen, People and Partnerships Manager at Firesticks Alliance.
Magpie Goose acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work and trade. We acknowledge their ongoing connection and custodianship for Country.
We pay our deep respects to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, particularly those who we work and collaborate with.
Always was, always will be.