Dhukurrurru and Warraga (Sacred Rock and Cycad), 2024

$350.00

  • 35cm x 18cm
  • 2024
  • Ochre on bark
  • Catalog No: 125-24

This painting depicts a sacred rock named Dhukurrurru at a salt water country called Ganbaltji. Dhukurrurru is represented by Buthjalak (yellow) triangles. The long, connected, diamond like shapes in the work depict Latjin (mangrove worms) in their different stages of development and decay; from Watharr (white, immature) to Buthjalak (yellow), Miku (red) and Mul (black, rotten), inside the Giyabara (mangrove tree of the Yirritja moiety). The tail of the Ngoykal (giant trevally) which indicates a ceremonial connection between salt water Yirritja clans is often depicted in these works.

The Rarrk (cross-hatching) within the work often depicts ocean currents and may also refer to Gapu Murnuk (a mix of clean fresh and dirty salt water, particularly when white) at Ganbalgawidi, a big creek at the south of Galiwin’ku (Elcho Island).

This design is painted on the body of initiates of the Dhapi (making man ceremony) and is also used inside the Ngarra men’s law ceremony.

This painting also depicts the Warraga or Dingurr (cycad).  Coloured dots show us the Warraga fruit in different stages of development and decay. The Warraga is coming out from the freshwater to the saltwater past the Dhukurrurru.

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