Wakih (Fresh Water Prawns) by Reuben Manakgu
Wakih (Leptopalaemon gagadjui) is a freshwater prawn found only in West Arnhem Land, hence the species name ‘gagadjui’ derived from Gagudju, the Indigenous name for the language and people of Kakadu. Bininj (West Arnhem Aboriginal people) still catch it today, in deep billabongs and waterways.
A lot of wakih can be caught in the creeks of Reuben’s country - Mangardubu - north of Gunbalanya. He catches them with a throw net or a piece of meat on the end of a fishing line and entices them into the shallows where they can be speared. The silhouette style used in this design is ancient in origin and common in the rock art of West Arnhem Land.
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.