Eastern Gunwinggu fish trapping at Gunbatgarri

Abstract

The eastern Gunwinggu of Central Arnhem Land construct a conical fish trap called mandjabu which is used in conjunction with a trapping fence to catch mainly barramundi and catfish. Traditionally fish trapping was an important subsistance activity during the plentiful early dry season. Today, although its economic significance has declined somewhat owing to the adoption of market technology, fish trapping remains symbolically important as it also reinforces the status of the senior men who control its use.