Menu
FREE ART CONSULTATION
PreviewPreview AR previewAR preview Buy Hand Made Painting Buy Hand Made PaintingBuy Image Buy Image SendSend
DetailsDetails Add to favorites Add to favorites DownloadDownload SimilarsSimilars X-RayX-Ray DiaporamaDiaporama

Namarlpe (pandanus spirit) & kuluban (fruit bats)

Explore Graham Badari's vibrant Aboriginal art from West Arnhem Land! Discover Kunwinjku paintings depicting Dreamings, Djurlka landscapes & iconic fruit bat motifs. Shop hand-painted reproductions at ArtsDot.

Giclée / Art Print

Museum-quality giclée or canvas print with fast production and flexible finish options. (Buy Hand Made Painting Buy Hand Made PaintingBuy Image Buy Image)

Standard
custom
CM
INCH

Pick from our preset sizes that match the artwork's original proportions.

width
height

You may enter your own dimensions to fit a specific frame or space. If your selected size does not match the original image's proportions, we will either crop the artwork or extend the image with a mirrored or solid-fill edge. A digital mockup will be sent for your approval before production begins.
Please note that the on-screen preview does not reflect the actual cropping or extension. Only the mockup will accurately show the final composition.
While custom sizes are available, we recommend selecting a dimension from the predefined list to preserve the original proportions.

Worldwide Delivery () in 2 weeks instead of standard 4/5 weeks. (25 August)

why_choose_icon
Free Worldwide Express Shipping
why_choose_icon
High-Quality Linen Canvas
why_choose_icon
Full Shipping Insurance
why_choose_icon
Customs Tax Refund Guarantee
why_choose_icon
True Color Matching Guarantee
why_choose_icon
60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)
why_choose_icon
100% Money-Back Guarantee
why_choose_icon
Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

$ 63

reproduction

Namarlpe (pandanus spirit) & kuluban (fruit bats)

Giclée / Art Print

Reproduction Size

-

Total Price

$ 63

Collectible Description

Namarlpe is the name of the malevolent pandanus spirit, which the Kunwinjku believe inhabits the box pandanus. The women of western Arnhem Land are wary of him and avoid passing close to box pandanus when they are pregnant as it is believed that Namarlpe can capture the spirit of the unborn child and keep it trapped in his burble (dilly bag). The child is born weak and sickly and only when the pandanus where Namarlpe is hiding is cut or burned down will the child’s spirit be released and its health regained. At the top of the bark, Graham has painted sleeping kuluban (flying foxes) hanging from the bough of a tree. Kuluban, with their pungent and gamey flesh, are a food source for the Indigenous people of Arnhem Land. Graham Badari’s work balances faithful dedication to the visual language of ancient local rock art and a commitment to the stylistic development of the genre. Whether he is painting additional stories passed down to him by his elders or rendering non-secular imagery of animals in the characteristic west Arnhem Land x-ray style, Graham’s work is meticulous and fluid.—Injalak Arts and Crafts Association © Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

Artist Biography

Graham Badari: A Life in Kunwinjku Painting

Early Life and Background

Graham Badari (born 1963) is a highly respected Aboriginal Australian artist from the Wardjak clan in West Arnhem Land. He speaks the Kunwinjku dialect and maintains strong ties to his ancestral lands. Born in Gunbalanya and raised at Maburrinj, approximately 75 miles east of Gunbalanya, Badari’s upbringing was deeply rooted in traditional culture and artistic practices.

Artistic Influences and Development

Badari's artistic journey began with observing and learning from the senior artists at Injalak Arts. He credits the late Thompson Yulidjirri as his greatest influence, absorbing the fluid and dynamic figurative style that defines Kunwinjku painting. He was also raised by the renowned Aboriginal Australian artist Djawida Nadjongorle, further shaping his artistic foundation. Art historian Henry Skerritt describes Badari as possessing a “unique and eccentric personality” coupled with an “impish smile and cheeky sense of humour.”

Themes and Style

Badari’s paintings are deeply connected to the land and Dreamings of his mother country, Djurlka. He frequently depicts scenes from this area, particularly near the outstation of Marmardawerre, where he spent much of his youth. Common themes in his work include depictions of animals – notably fruit bats (kuluban) and representations of the pandanus spirit (Namarlpe). His style is characterized by its dynamic energy, intricate detail, and vibrant use of natural pigments.

Role at Injalak Arts

Beyond his artistic practice, Graham Badari plays a vital role within the Injalak Arts community. He serves as a popular tour guide, sharing his knowledge of the land, culture, and art with visitors. He is also considered a key source of community news and information.

Major Achievements & Significance

  • Preservation of Kunwinjku Painting: Badari contributes to the continuation of this important artistic tradition.
  • Cultural Ambassador: Through his art and tours, he shares Aboriginal culture with a wider audience.
  • Dreaming Storyteller: His paintings visually narrate significant Dreaming stories connected to Djurlka.

Historical Context

Kunwinjku painting is an ancient tradition passed down through generations. Badari’s work represents a continuation of this legacy, adapting traditional techniques and themes for contemporary audiences. His art provides valuable insights into the spiritual beliefs, ecological knowledge, and cultural practices of the Aboriginal people of West Arnhem Land. He exemplifies how Indigenous artists are maintaining their heritage while engaging with the modern world.

Graham Badari

Graham Badari

1963 - , Australia

Quick Facts

  • Birth Date: 1963
  • Birth Place: Gove Peninsula, Australia
  • Influenced By: Thompson Yulidjirri, Djawida Nadjongorle
  • Movement: Aboriginal Australian Art, Kunwinjku Painting
  • Name: Graham Badari
  • Nationality: Australian
  • Notable Works: Namarlpe (pandanus spirit) & kuluban (fruit bats)
Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.