TEAMM8 x Gali Brief - Birriwal (Navy)

Birriwal – Brave,  strong warrior

This artwork symbolises the traditional hunting styles of the Worimi people. 

Hunting was recognised as important work and the calm and muted nature of the hunt is reflected through the pastel colour pallet. The mix of blues, purples and pinks speaks to the soft and gentle poise of the hunters, only communicating through touch and sign so as not to startle their prey. 

Each hunter is represented by a ‘U’ shape, all turned in different directions as they scan the bush for animal trackings. These hunters possessed detailed knowledge of animal behavior and the little thin lines throughout the artwork are symbolic of the animal tracks the hunters would follow. Dots throughout the piece represent the geographical checkpoints these hunters would use to orientate themselves. 

A mix of L-shapes and wavy lines are illustrative of the traditional hunting weapons and tactics used. Hunters would throw the L-shaped straight flying “hunting boomerangs” at birds from at least 80 meters away, the speed of the boomerang hitting the bird before it could escape. Aboriginal peoples advanced understanding and control of fire and the bush is demonstrated through the thick wavy lines throughout the artwork that represent the use of fire to smoke out and corner animals before making the kill.

• Square cut brief
• Features Birriwal print by Worimi-Biripi artist Jake Simon
• Artwork symbolises the traditional hunting styles of the Worimi people
• Solid black waistband with subtle logo
• Collaboration patch on back of waistband