Jibbon Engravings

Gazing at the Jibbon Engravings, a hush falls over the group. Here, etched into the sandstone, whispers of ancient stories emerge. Jibbon, from the Dharawal word “djeebahn,” meaning “sandbar at low tide,” holds more than just sand and sea. It cradles the echoes of the Dharawal people, who called this place home for generations. The Jibbon Engravings aren’t merely pretty pictures. They’re a portal to a time when Orca and Dharawal hunters worked together, enacting the “Law of the Tongue” to feed their community. Imagine the Orca herding humpback whales onto the sandbar, a symbiotic relationship vital for survival. The Jibbon Engravings depict this bond, showcasing whales, kangaroos, stingrays, and even a powerful spiritual figure, possibly Daramulan. The engravings themselves, pecked and rubbed into the soft Sydney sandstone, are a testament to the artistry and reverence of the Dharawal people. These grooves, some as old as 2,000 years, have weathered time and tide, their stories guarded by the Dharawal community and the National Parks and Wildlife Service. As you stand on the viewing platform, remember that you’re walking in the footsteps of generations. The nearby shell midden, a testament to thousands of years of sustenance, reminds us of the deep connection between the Dharawal people and this land. Jibbon isn’t just a site. It’s a living story, carved in stone and whispered by the wind. Take a moment to absorb the significance of this place, a sacred space where past and present intertwine at the Jibbon Engravings.