Funkita, Funky Trounks created the “Barnamboo” print in collaboration with Bardi artist Ashley Hunter as part of their new Race Pace Collection. Here is why this print is so unique…
Who is ASHLEY HUNTER
Ashley Hunter was born and raised in One Arm Point on the Dampier Peninsula. It is located 2,500 km north of Perth, Australia. Ashley began making jewelry for a local jeweler after he graduated from high school. He also started painting as much as possible. In 2002, he won the Kimberley Art Prize, a highly regarded art competition in Western Australia. It is now in its 47th anniversary.
Ashley’s paintings depict dreamtime stories passed on to the next generation. His grandmother inspired this. His passion is to ensure that younger generations can learn the stories and pass on history.
Ashley lives far from home and often learns new techniques like screen printing, pottery, and airbrushing. He hopes his passion for art and painting will inspire others to do the same and have fun.
Who is BARDI?
The Indigenous Australians living in Broome, parts of the Dampier Peninsular and the Kimberley region are called Bardi.
What is the BARNAMBOO PRINT?
The Barnamboo print, which means’stingray’ in Bardi, depicts Lool Lool’s story with Marrgaliny. It depicts the Bardi land’s blue waters and the animals their people hunted over thousands of years.
The Story Of Lool Lool And Marrgaliny
Lool Lool lived in Garramum by himself, where he enjoyed fishing in the ocean and hunting food. Sitting in his bali (shelter) one day, he saw a man walk towards him from the top of the hill. Lool was spotted by the man, and he walked up to him. He introduced himself as Marrgaliny, and asked him if he could construct his bali near his home. Lool was happy to help Marrgaliny build his bali and became close friends. They shared stories and went hunting together. Marrgaliny had yet to be told by Lool Lool that he had two turtle rock pools. One had female turtles, while the other had male turtles. Marrgaliny once asked Lool Lool if he wanted to go fishing with him, but Lool Lool replied that he preferred staying home. Marrgaliny disappeared into the distance, so Lool Lool looked for the rock pool with female turtles. He caught one to eat. Marrgaliny returned to Lool Lool’s house and saw him cooking the turtle. He also asked Marrgaliny where it was caught. Lool Lool showed Marrgaliny the turtle and asked if he would like to try it. Marrgaliny tried a bit and liked the tenderness and sweet taste. Lool Lool asked Marrgaliny if he could also catch one. Lool Lool accepted and went to the rockpool to find a male turtle. Marrgaliny was able to cut the turtle up and give it to him to eat. However, the meat was not as tasty as the meat of the female turtle.
Marrgaliny got angry and returned to Bali with his boomerang, spears and marrgar (shield). The fight became vicious and both men started to fight. Jungard and Boongood, two other men, saw the fight and joined the fray. They fought until Boongood tried running away. He was running when a spear struck him in the back and fell into the sea. He tried to retrieve the spear, but it was too hard, and he became a black stingray with white spots. Jungard was fighting Marrgaliny, who threw hot charcoals over him. Jungard was unable to get rid of the coals so he jumped in the ocean to cool off. His skin became rough and spikey from the coals, and he transformed into a white stingray as he swam away.
Lool Lool had run out of weapons and Marrgaliny was left with no choice but to hit Marrgaliny with his marrgar. Marrgaliny fell into the ocean after he felt dizzy from the margar in his head and the boomerang at his side. Lool Lool sank into water, and as he washed away his blood, he saw the hammerhead swimming away. Lool Lool had an exhausted look and a boomerang in his side. He jumped into the ocean, where his boomerang became a dorsal tail fin. The shark transformed into a gorgeous fish that swam in water near his home. Lool Lool would assist anyone who was ever in danger of drowning or falling from their boats.
What’s so great about this collaboration?
One Funky World will receive a portion of the proceeds from the Barnamboo print sales. This charity supports organisations that promote Indigenous health and sport in remote Australian communities.
Numerous statistics show a large gap in life expectancy, health, welfare, and other indicators between Indigenous and non-Indigenous peoples. One Funky World believes sport is an important part of youth’s lives. It can improve their health, fitness, confidence, social skills, and learning.
One Funky World supports organizations that offer community swimming, sport, and general health programs in Indigenous communities. This will make a real difference in the lives of young people involved and close the gap.
