Nabarlek deja Ngarrbek (Rock Wallaby and Echidna) by Graham Badari

This design was created in 2014 and is inspired by the high ‘Stone Country’ of the Arnhem Land Plateau. It features nabarlek (Petrogale concinna or rock wallaby) and ngarrbek (Tachyglossus aculeatus or echidna). The nabarlek survives mostly eating tough grasses of the kinds pictured in this design.

A number of Stone Country plants can be seen in this design including mandjamko (Grevillea goodii) a low growing species with red flowers. The nectar from these are sweet and can be eaten. The flowering strap-leafed plant is manburru (Patersonia macrantha), a member of the iris family with purple flowers found only in the NT.

The silhouette style used in this design is ancient in origin and common in the rock art of West Arnhem Land.