We of the Bibbulmun

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Artist: Tjyllyungoo (Lance Chadd)

Asset Type: Mural

Year of Work: 2020

Location: 22 Harvey St

Provenance: Shire of Collie

Description: “Ngarngungudditj Waargyl (the Bearded Python) created the estuary nurseries at Australind and formed the whole Collie River, including Brunswick and Preston Rivers, finally resting in Mininyup Pool. He is the spirit in all waters.

Culturally ‘Waargyl’ (Water Python) belongs to our Bibbulman people or you might say the Bibbulman people belong to Wargyl. He is all Law, both omnipotent and omnipresent, all knowing and all seeing. He is the creation spirit and both the punisher and rewarder.

In the old days Nyoongar people were law abiding people who lived in awe, fear and respect for ‘Waargyl’. ‘Waargylung’ is what we call punishment from Waargyl. There are many stories associated with Waargyl, like in the beginning when laws were created and given.

The Rainbow Serpent represents water and all the river systems and estuaries. Is both Male and Female. Waargyl is the giver of life and all totemic/Boorongur, governing lore of connection.” Tjyllyungoo/Lance Chadd