Balmarra are totemic dance frames used in northern Western Australia in ceremonies and public performances. They were originally made using pandanus string and human hair, though contemporary versions are usually made of brightly coloured wools. When in use, the unwieldy forms are tucked into the dancer’s belt and held by the crossed wooden sticks.

Balmarra, Bullo River 2002 relates to a site rich in rock art, which is also associated with artist Paddy Carlton. Carlton and fellow artist Rover Thomas were in a party that travelled to Darwin, where Alan Griffiths saw Macassan trading boats and dreamt of their song and dance. (These boats are represented in Balmarra, large boat 2002.) A broader representation of Balmarra, in Balmarra 2 2002, Griffiths represents his himself as a character in an unfolding narrative, portrayed in song and dance.