Wagyl - Noongar
Long ago, in the time of Dreaming, the great serpent Wagyl roamed the land. Known by many names, such as Waakal and Waugal, the Wagyl was a powerful spirit that shaped the world and created life.
The Wagyl began its journey at Ga-ra-katta (Mount Eliza), at the foot of Kings Park. As it moved, its powerful body carved out the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) and the Djarlgarro Beelier (Canning River). The Wagyl's movements formed the winding rivers, deep lakes, and vast swamps. It even shaped the hills and valleys of the Darling Scarp.
As the Wagyl slithered across the land, it left behind sand dunes, riverbeds, and bays. These resting places became sacred sites filled with spiritual significance. The Noongar people believe that the Wagyl controls the elements, bringing thunder (koondarnangor), lightning (babanginy), and rain (boroong).
The Wagyl's creation did not stop at the surface. It also created the underground springs and wetlands, ensuring that fresh water flowed throughout the land. The Wagyl's presence in the waterways means that water is sacred, and its protection is vital.
The Noongar people are the custodians of this land and respect the Wagyl deeply. They know that disturbing its resting places, like waterholes and rivers, can cause the land to dry up. Today, the Wagyl remains a symbol of creation and life. Its story reminds us of the importance of caring for our environment and respecting the spirits that dwell within it.
Our Mission
Our mission at Dialocal is to prioritize Australia's
traditional languages over aesthetics, offering apparel that honours Indigenous heritage and fosters understanding and respect. Through our designs, we empower communities to reclaim their dialectal identity, showcasing the beauty and significance of traditional language and its profound connection to the land.
Our Approach
At Dialocal, we meticulously infuse each item with profound meaning and cultural significance, ensuring that every piece is a testament to the rich heritage of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Our designs intricately weave together Aboriginal totems and motifs, serving as powerful symbols of identity, connection, and storytelling. Moreover, with each purchase, we proudly contribute to conservation efforts directly linked to the depicted totem, fostering a tangible impact on the preservation of both cultural heritage and environmental sustainability. Through our commitment to meaningful design and purpose-driven action, we invite you to join us in celebrating and protecting the essence of Australia's indigenous heritage.
What might this look like?
Preserving Art and Language
At Dialocal, we believe in the power of art to preserve and celebrate the diverse traditional languages of Australia, many of which are facing the threat of disappearance. Our clothing designs are not just garments; they are canvases that showcase the beauty of Indigenous art and the richness of our languages.
Each piece in our collection is a masterpiece, adorned with carefully selected words and phrases intricately woven into the fabric. These designs are more than just patterns; they are reflections of the artistic expressions embedded within Indigenous languages, serving as respect to our ancestral ties.
By choosing Dialocal, you become a champion for both art and language preservation. With every purchase, a portion of the proceeds goes towards funding language teaching centers and initiatives within Indigenous communities. These contributions not only support language revitalization efforts but also enable artists to continue creating and sharing their cultural narratives through
their artwork.
Through our ConservCollab partnerships with language teaching centers, we aim to empower Indigenous communities to reclaim, celebrate, and pass on their linguistic and artistic heritage to future generations. Together, we can preserve and nurture the invaluable connection between art, language, and culture.
Educational Initiative
At Dialocal, we believe every clothing item tells a story, so we share the cultural significance of each design on our website to help wearers connect with the heritage behind their garments. We encourage wearers to share these stories with others to promote understanding and respect for Indigenous culture and traditions.
Support for Conservation
Dialocal dedicates a portion of every purchase to conservation projects linked to the featured totem, emphasizing both cultural preservation and environmental stewardship. By supporting initiatives aligned with each totem's essence, Dialocal aims to safeguard heritage and nurture the landscapes and ecosystems they represent, inviting others to join in protecting our shared treasures.