About
Jina forms part of Yindjibarndi creation stories and is identified by visible footprint markings left in the bedrock near the river. These footprints were made by the Yindjibarndi ‘old people’ when the world was soft, a creation time known as ngurra nyjunggamu. The stories of Jina relate to Barrimirndi, the powerful Dreamtime serpent that travelled from the sea eastwards into the desert. The Yindjibarndi traditional custodians for this area were brought here as young men by their uncles and fathers and told the story for this place.
Jina is connected to a network of culturally significant places for Yindjibarndi people such as the first Pilbara bundut, Gregory Gorge, and Millstream. These places are all located along the Fortescue River, which acted as a highway for Yindjibarndi people travelling from the coast to the tablelands.
Jina Archaeology
Jina is made up of extensive exposed dolerite bedrock on both sides of the Fortescue River, with footprint markings on the bedrock itself. There are several grinding patches and engravings noted at the site where people were camping while travelling through to ceremonial sites further inland.
