A KUNWINJKU COUNTING BOOK

This volume, counting to 12 in both English and Kunwinjku, presents illustrated information about animals found in West Arnhem Land, in Australia’s Northern Territory.

Each entry includes the digit, the written numeral in a descriptive phrase, and a general species name in both languages. The text color for the digit and written numerals is ochre—helpful, since Kunwinjku numerals can be multiple words. Several paragraphs precisely describe the animal’s natural habitat, characteristics, and significance to the Aboriginal peoples of West Arnhem Land. Often, these animals are valued as food, and both traditional and modern methods of hunting and cooking them are mentioned. On the page counting “Eight water pythons / slithering in the mud / Kunbidkudji dja danjbik / borlokko karribirri wake / kukih,” Maralngurra and Wright explain, “We hunt for borlokko by searching for them in the water with our hands. They have small, sharp teeth, but they aren’t venomous.” When appropriate, he makes cultural distinctions in how different regional groups relate to the species. “Duwa people…cannot eat borlokko because of their religious beliefs, but Yirridjdja people (another group) can.” Animals include spoonbills, echidnas, turtles, and knob-tailed geckos. The exquisite illustrations derive inspiration in technique, colors, and visual iconography from ancient rock paintings preserved within the region. Intricate ink hatching, or rarrk, “x-ray style” (the depiction of the animals’ insides), and a traditional palette of ochre, browns, white, and black richly distinguish this work. Maralngurra is a member of the Ngaingbali clan; Wright is of settler heritage.

Handsome bookmaking, integral cultural information, and dynamic illustrations interact perfectly.