Artist: Milirrpum Marika | Title: Djambawa the Thunderman | Year: 1975 | Medium: natural earth pigments on bark | Dimensions: 95 x 45 cm
PROVENANCE
Yirrkala NT
Private Collection NSW
ARTWORK STORY
As in this painting by the hand of Milirrpum Marika, the Rirratjingu curved clan design is also associated with the Djang'kawu sisters. It references Djambawul the Thunderman who created whirlpools, clouds and rain.
Artist Profile
COMMUNITY/REGION
Yirrkala NE Arnhem Land, NT
LANGUAGE
Rirratjingu, Yolngu
BIOGRAPHY
Milirrpum Marika was the third eldest of the prominent Marika brothers and an important Yolŋu leader. Though not as prolific an artist as his brothers Mawalan I or Mathaman, Milirrpum produced notable artworks after 1960.
He is best remembered for his central role in the Milirrpum v Nabalco Pty Ltd (1971) case, which laid the groundwork for the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. This case was pivotal in the recognition of Indigenous land rights in Australia.
REFERENCES
National Museum of Australia. (n.d.). The Marika Family - Yalangbara. Retrieved September 22, 2024, from https://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/yalangbara/marika-family
PROVENANCE
Yirrkala NT
Private Collection NSW
ARTWORK STORY
As in this painting by the hand of Milirrpum Marika, the Rirratjingu curved clan design is also associated with the Djang'kawu sisters. It references Djambawul the Thunderman who created whirlpools, clouds and rain.
Artist Profile
COMMUNITY/REGION
Yirrkala NE Arnhem Land, NT
LANGUAGE
Rirratjingu, Yolngu
BIOGRAPHY
Milirrpum Marika was the third eldest of the prominent Marika brothers and an important Yolŋu leader. Though not as prolific an artist as his brothers Mawalan I or Mathaman, Milirrpum produced notable artworks after 1960.
He is best remembered for his central role in the Milirrpum v Nabalco Pty Ltd (1971) case, which laid the groundwork for the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976. This case was pivotal in the recognition of Indigenous land rights in Australia.
REFERENCES
National Museum of Australia. (n.d.). The Marika Family - Yalangbara. Retrieved September 22, 2024, from https://www.nma.gov.au/exhibitions/yalangbara/marika-family