Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia

AUSTRALIA | Thursday, 4 July 2013 | Views [1085] | View Smaller Image

Leaving Kakadu national park and crossing the East Alligator River into Arnhem Land the scenery changes like a slide in an old projector. Meandering down a red and dusty road, a lonesome sign stands fatigued with irony.

Tags: arnhem land, east alligator river, arnhem land, dirt road, red dirt, dirt track, red, goverment, sign, roads to recovery

Garry Djorlom is an Aboriginal elder from Oenpelli, Western Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia. He’s a softly spoken character with a warm, friendly nature. Like many Aboriginal elders, he’s also a storyteller. “If you have a story, don’t put it in your pocket and leave it there, take it out and share it with your family”. This particular image depicts Garry telling a story about how the echidna got its spikes.

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Once surrounded by ancient seas, the iconic Arnhem Land escarpment or “stone country” is a great example of the relationship between Aboriginal people and the land. During the wet season this sandstone wall is transformed into a plentiful oasis, brimming with fish and birds to hunt. In the dry season, it’s shady caves and residual pools provide protection from the hot Australian sun.

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Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia

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