Turtle Hunt*, 2005

natural earth pigments on bark

47 x 15 cm

$650

Provenance: Direct from the Artist in Yirrkala, Arnhem Land, NT Private Collection NSW
Artwork story: This painting is of the Ancestral turtle Hunt at a place called Luthunba. The story belongs to the the Dhudi-Djapu clan. It concerns the turtle hunting in sacred saltwater called Gapuwarriku or Wulamba at Luthunba. The interlocking cross hatch pattern in the background represents calm clear water which is ideal water for turtle hunting. The fish are Milika or butterfish and are associated with this place, where they can be seen swimming to the surface. This ancestral turtle hunt is re-enacted in mortuary rituals for Dhudi-Djapu clan members.

Click to enlarge

b. 1964

natural earth pigments on bark

47 x 15 cm

$650

Provenance: Direct from the Artist in Yirrkala, Arnhem Land, NT Private Collection NSW
Artwork story: This painting is of the Ancestral turtle Hunt at a place called Luthunba. The story belongs to the the Dhudi-Djapu clan. It concerns the turtle hunting in sacred saltwater called Gapuwarriku or Wulamba at Luthunba. The interlocking cross hatch pattern in the background represents calm clear water which is ideal water for turtle hunting. The fish are Milika or butterfish and are associated with this place, where they can be seen swimming to the surface. This ancestral turtle hunt is re-enacted in mortuary rituals for Dhudi-Djapu clan members.