When the World Was Soft
When the World Was Soft: Yindjibarndi Creation Stories
A&U Children’s, 2024
96pp., graphic novel, RRP $A34.99
9781761180651
Yindjibarndi people traditionally lived in the area near the town of Roebourne in the Pilbara region of Western Australia and believe “all creation is written in our landscape and was sung long ago, filling our Ngurra (Country) with sacred meanings and deep religious significance. At the dawn of time, Ngurra Nyujunggamu, the world was soft as clay and the sky was very low. Our Creator, Minkala, sang the songs from which all life and Ngurra evolved.”
Encapsulated in this new publication with dramatic artwork by Alex Mankiewicz in graphic novel format, including paintings by members of the Juluwarlu Art Group are some of these stories including Ngurra Nyujunggamu – Creation; Jargurrungu Wangangga Garranyga – Wedgetailed Eagle, Crow and Black Kite; Nyinkara the Stoneman; Jiruna Yuya -Pelican and Quail; Bunggaliyarra – Fallen and Barrimirndi – Water Serpent. Each story not only has deep significance about the origins of the place and its people, but embeds the timelessness of respect and responsibility for the land making it as relevant today as it was for the ancient elders. And while the characters and their circumstances may vary from other indigenous nations, nevertheless that deep-held connection to Country and the continuity of life is common to all. So although these songlines are of the Yindjibarndi people, there is the opportunity to understand that unique relationship with the land and its inhabitants that all indigenous communities share and perhaps seek out those stories that are unique to the particular part of Country that the reader lives in.
There are also a number of pages at the back explaining who the Juluwarlu Group is, as well as a glossary of specific cultural words, explanations of the paintings and other relevant information that offers even greater depth and understanding.