This painting depicts three sites associated with the Djan’kawu Sisters, as indicated by the presence of djanda (Monitor Lizards), which are considered manifestations of the Djan’kawu. The cross-hatching in this work is derived from the marks cast by djanda as they move through the water, creating rippling patterns on the surface.

The Djan’kawu refer to two sisters who are the major creator beings for the Dhuwa moiety. During the Waŋarr (ancestral times) they traveled over the land, giving land and Law to the Dhuwa clans. Three major Djan’kawu sites of freshwater belonging to the Ŋaymil clan are depicted by three panels. Milŋurr (sacred waterholes pertaining to fertility) is the focus of the panels.

The different types of cross hatching belong to the artists clan and represents the ḏarra (water weed) that covers the spring fed billabongs. The design is employed from the mark made by the ancestral goanna as it swims through.

Other totems of the Ŋaymil are also depicted at these sites. They show the different geographical states of the region. The top panel of the area, Mäthi, dries out seasonally. This allows the brolga (Australian Crane) to graze from waterhole to waterhole, leaving footprints in the mud. The central Milŋurr of Guminyuŋbuy has added significance to stress the site’s importance. The bottom area of Milipa shows a physical horizontal barrier to stop the contamination of this sacred water.

– Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka Centre