Conch Shell - Jimmy Wululu

Long ago, deep in the lands of Arnhem Land, the conch shell was more than just a beautiful object—it was a voice of the ancestors. In his bark painting, artist Jimmy Wululu tells the story of this sacred shell, its swirling patterns and strong lines showing its power in ceremony and song.

The conch shell was used by the Yolŋu people to call the spirits, its deep sound echoing across the land and water. In Wululu’s painting, the shell is surrounded by traditional patterns, just like those painted on bodies during ceremonies. These designs remind us that everything in nature—shells, rivers, and the land itself—is connected to the Dreaming, the time when the ancestors shaped the world.

Through his painting, Wululu shares the story of the conch shell’s importance, helping to keep the Yolŋu traditions alive for future generations. If you listen closely, you might even imagine the deep, swirling sound of the conch calling across the land, just as it has for thousands of years.