The Manapan team designed and created the Djagamirr table specifically for Medibank. For Yolngu communities, there is a spiritual connection between land, sea, wildlife and the physical health. So, when thinking about this project, Manapan’s senior Yolngu craftsman Josiah Baker, wanted to tell this story.
The Djagamirr table is a representation of the spiritual connection Yolngu have to both the people and environment around them.
The table edge represents water ripples from creeks and the Arafura Sea meeting at Milingimbi Island, ecosystems vital to the saltwater people who carefully preserve them.
White hatching shows where sand meets water, depicting tidal movements that guide Yolngu hunting and seasonal changes. Diamonds represent interconnected Indigenous groups: yellow for northern saltwater communities, red for central desert communities.
Black and white triangles symbolise traditional burning methods, black for burnt land, white for rebirth and new growth, used to maintain island health and vegetation.
Open hands, Miyalk (women’s) at one end, Dirramu (men’s) at the othe, welcome visitors to Yolngu land and culture, reflecting how both genders work together to strengthen community.
The central ribbon represents different Bapurru (clans) united through the moiety system, where all things are Yirritja or Dhuwa, sharing law, language, songlines, and art.
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