Untitled, 2002

natural earth pigments on canvas

$4,500

Secure payment via Stripe. Prices in AUD.

Provenance: Elcho Island Arts, Galiwin'ku, NT, Cat No. 14/682/DAT
Artwork story: This is a sacred story about the Gumatj clan, their life and laws. The painting depicts the Ganiny (said Gun ning), a sacred ceremonial item usally held by the clan leader while dancing. It is part of a sacred ceremony (generally a mortuary ceremony) belonging to the Yirritja people and is performed by men only. The ceremony is held under a paper bark tree, which is symbolic and an important part of the ceremony. The white tips of the Ganiny represent the paper bark. This is also the same white clay that is painted on the forehead of the local Yolgnu (aboriginal people from Northeast Arnhem Land) for funerals and other ceremonies. Use of the diamond design links the Yarritja clans to their ancestral sources in their dreaming. The diamonds can have many meanings and stories, it can represent water flowing, bees and honey, low tide, salt water pools or sacred fire (the Gumatj fire is linked back to the dreamtime). The three small horizontal lines cutting into the Ganiny are representing the tidal rivers, the three Gumatj clans and the scars found on the chest of initiated elders, representing bravery. The surrounding background crosshatching depicts the tides of the sea coming in and going out, depending on the angle.

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b. 1953

natural earth pigments on canvas

$4,500

Secure payment via Stripe. Prices in AUD.

Provenance: Elcho Island Arts, Galiwin'ku, NT, Cat No. 14/682/DAT
Artwork story: This is a sacred story about the Gumatj clan, their life and laws. The painting depicts the Ganiny (said Gun ning), a sacred ceremonial item usally held by the clan leader while dancing. It is part of a sacred ceremony (generally a mortuary ceremony) belonging to the Yirritja people and is performed by men only. The ceremony is held under a paper bark tree, which is symbolic and an important part of the ceremony. The white tips of the Ganiny represent the paper bark. This is also the same white clay that is painted on the forehead of the local Yolgnu (aboriginal people from Northeast Arnhem Land) for funerals and other ceremonies. Use of the diamond design links the Yarritja clans to their ancestral sources in their dreaming. The diamonds can have many meanings and stories, it can represent water flowing, bees and honey, low tide, salt water pools or sacred fire (the Gumatj fire is linked back to the dreamtime). The three small horizontal lines cutting into the Ganiny are representing the tidal rivers, the three Gumatj clans and the scars found on the chest of initiated elders, representing bravery. The surrounding background crosshatching depicts the tides of the sea coming in and going out, depending on the angle.