The Legend of Warrajamba: A Quandamooka Mermaid’s Tale
In the shimmering waters and ancient sands of Moreton Bay, a captivating legend whispers through the wind – the tale of Warrajamba, the mermaid who treads both the ocean’s depths and the land’s embrace. Much like the mythical selkies of Celtic and Norse lore, Warrajamba is a creature of duality, her story deeply interwoven with the Quandamooka Country, particularly the islands of Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) and Mulgumpin (Moreton Island).
The lore surrounding Warrajamba speaks of her connection to the very earth of Mulgumpin. It is said that her blood once stained the sands of Cowan Cowan Beach, leaving a distinct red hue that endures to this day, a permanent testament to her presence and perhaps, a moment of profound significance in her storied existence.
For those keen to encounter this enigmatic figure, a remarkable opportunity awaits at the Museum of Brisbane. From now until November, an awe-inspiring, life-size effigy of Warrajamba, crafted by the talented Quandamooka artist Delvene Cockatoo-Collins, stands as a centrepiece. This intricate artwork is a marvel of natural materials, featuring quampie (pearl oyster) shells meticulously fashioned into fins and scales, the graceful form of the yungaire (freshwater reed) shaping her arms, and her hair a cascade of fibres from the tawalpin, or beach hibiscus.
Cockatoo-Collins has dedicated a decade of her artistic journey to unravelling the threads of Warrajamba’s narrative. This exploration is deeply personal, rooted in the oral traditions passed down through her matriarchal lineage. Her grandmother, Bethel Delaney, first shared whispers of the mermaid with her mother, Evelyn Parkin, igniting a spark of curiosity that has fuelled Cockatoo-Collins’ artistic and research endeavours. “My grandmother spoke to my mum about her, that she’s a mermaid in the bay, so that was enough for me to keep exploring,” Cockatoo-Collins shared, reflecting on the genesis of her fascination.
Her research led her to the pioneering writings of Archibald Meston, a figure of historical note who joined the Aborigines’ Protection Society of Queensland in 1890. Meston was instrumental in documenting local Indigenous culture, producing some of the earliest published accounts in 1895. His writings offered a tantalising glimpse into Warrajamba’s story, with Meston noting her legend during his visits to the islands. However, he famously remarked that the tale was “too long for this article,” hinting at a richer, more expansive narrative yet to be fully uncovered.
An Immersive Artistic Experience
Currently, Delvene Cockatoo-Collins is gracing the Museum of Brisbane’s Creative Space as an artist-in-residence. Here, visitors are invited to step into the enchanting world of Warrajamba, an experience designed to be both educational and interactive. The space is curated to immerse attendees in the mystery of the mermaid, offering them the chance to actively participate in the creative process. Visitors are provided with a range of materials, including cardboard, clothes pegs, and unique printing stamps adorned with Cockatoo-Collins’ distinctive designs, empowering them to craft their own interpretations of mermaids or dugongs.
Beyond her sculptural and installation work, Cockatoo-Collins, a skilled printmaker and fashion designer, is also showcasing a collection of her couture at Brisbane Quarter on George Street. This exhibition, titled “When Dilly Bags Catch the Light,” features an array of garments, including skirts, shifts, and vests. These pieces are brought to life through the use of banksia-dyed fabrics, adorned with authentic Stradbroke Island shells and fibres. Complementing the fashion, three large-scale, stylised dilly bags are also on display, each inspired by the intricate string bags crafted by Cockatoo-Collins’ great-great-grandmother, heirlooms now held in various museum collections.
During her tenure at the Museum of Brisbane, Cockatoo-Collins is also set to design a new fashion collection destined for a runway show scheduled for September, promising another exciting fusion of art, culture, and design.
A Legacy of Resilience and Advocacy
Cockatoo-Collins’ artistic journey is deeply influenced by her powerful matriarchal heritage. She hails from a remarkable line of women, including her grandmother, who was among a group of First Nations people working at the Dunwich Benevolent Asylum on North Stradbroke Island in the 1940s. These individuals, tragically, were compensated with rations rather than wages.
The story of their resistance is a pivotal moment in the fight for Indigenous rights. Witnessing other workers receive monetary compensation, these women bravely staged a protest. Their courageous stand marked them as the first Aboriginal people to successfully advocate for equal wages, a landmark achievement that resonates with enduring significance.
Cockatoo-Collins herself spent her formative childhood years on Minjerribah, cherishing memories of enjoying quampies incorporated into her mother’s curries. She later returned to the island, drawn by a desire to raise her own children, cultivate her art and fashion, and share the rich cultural heritage of her people through guided tours.
The Enduring Message of Warrajamba
At its heart, the legend of Warrajamba carries a profound message, articulated by Cockatoo-Collins: to embrace curiosity and seek knowledge while the opportunity exists. “That’s what my mum says about my grandmother,” she explained. “She wished she had asked more questions [about Warrajamba] than when she was told first up.” This sentiment underscores the importance of intergenerational dialogue and the preservation of family histories.
The exhibition at the Museum of Brisbane serves as a powerful catalyst for this, actively encouraging visitors to engage with their own families, to delve into their personal histories, and to continue asking questions, thereby fostering a deeper understanding and connection to their heritage.
Exhibition Details:
Warrajamba: Delvene Cockatoo Collins
- Location: Museum of Brisbane, City Hall
- Dates: March 28 – November 15
- Entry: Free
When Dilly Bags Catch the Light
- Location: Brisbane Quarter, George Street
- Dates: Until May 10
- Entry: Free
