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The Philosophy of Water: Baluka, Galuma & Napawarri

Past exhibition
14 June - 11 July 2012
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Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: Galuma Maymuru, Nuykal

Galuma Maymuru

Nuykal
natural earth pigment on bark
117 x 32 cm
788433
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Submerged at high tide at Djarrakpi is the sacred rock Yinitjuwa. It is imbued with the same power and essence contained in the salkwater surrounding it as miny'tji pertaining to...
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Submerged at high tide at Djarrakpi is the sacred rock Yinitjuwa. It is imbued with the same power and essence contained in the salkwater surrounding it as miny'tji pertaining to Mangalili clan country of Djarrakpi. The state of the salt water at high tide is classified as manarri or murru bathala - rough and dangerous - waves dashing on the rocks. The patterns of this state adorns the base of the bark.

Ancestral Hunting Muwandi climbed up on this rock that rises above the lower tides to spear fish. With the two pronged hook spear he speared Yambirrku the ancestral parrot fish. The parrot fish which partners Nukal (the giant trevally) can represent souls on their cyclical journey through physical to ethereal.

From his camp Muwandi witnessed the could massifs Wanupini form on the horizon taking up sea freshwater to rain back over the sea to Djarrakpi the freshwaters that flowed through the Wayawu estates. This mirrors the spirits transformation from flesh and blood to non-physical and then the conception of a physical being through spiritual intervention - the skeleton of Yolngu cosmology.

The cross designs on the anvil shaped cloud in this work is a reference to the feminine possum string girdle worn by Nyapililnu. The maternal Wanupini or Wet season thunderheads are 'pregnant' with rain. Marrnu, the possum spun its own fur into this sacred string. The sacred Marawili tree anchored this string which acted as a line to the resevoir of Mangalili souls; Milky way. This constellation is an astral form of the Milniyawuy River which is also this reservoir. The possums tracks are in the dashes of the background design. These are also the tracks of the cleansing sand crab Gunyan.

Nyapilingu is a spirit woman who lived in Wangarr times, the Dreaming. Nyapilingu set out from Ambakamba (Groote Eylandt) in a paper bark canoe and travelled across to the mainland and then north and west as far as the central Arnhem Land coast. Whereever she went she marked the country with her activities. She is remembered by the people at these sites, who sing and dance her story.

The songline of Nuykal (Turrum, Giant Trevally, Kingfish, carangoides emburyi) extends from Groote Eyelandt to Milingimbi. It enters into freshwater to breed. A strong swimming fish seen seasonally cruising along shorelines speared by Yolnu. It is totem for Mangalili clan.

Nuykal's travelling included a path from Dhonydji to the Wayawu River which passes through Dhlinbuy, a site where the Wangurri clanspeople have settled. At Wayawuwuy, Noykal changed into the hollow log Milkamirri clan.

Nuykal's travelling included a path from Dhonydji to the Wayawi River which passes through Dhlinbuy, a site where the Wangurri clanspeople have settled. At Wayawuwuy, Noykal changed into the hollow log Milkamirri. The kingfish depicted in this painting shares a sacred design with (what is similar to one used by the Wangurri clan). Mangalili.Wangurri ties. It represents Nuykal in water country belonging to the Mangalili.

Nuykal people dance, with spear throwers the tail and sacred dilly bag in mouth, the journey towards a sacred sand sculpture to santify. This represents the legal aspects of clan ownership and responsibilities of rite.
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