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From Biranbirany

Miniyawany Yunupingu1998/1998

Australian National Maritime Museum

Australian National Maritime Museum
Sydney, Australia

This bark painting depicts the saltwater of Caledon Bay where it meets the freshwater of Biranybirany in East Arnhem Land. It portrays a number of ancestral animals that are fundamental to the Indigenous community. Four Djunungayanu (dugong) are feeding on seagrass and the Malara (manta ray) is shown with Guwarrtji, the Hawkesbill turtle. At the centre of the painting is a depiction of Bäru, the ancestral crocodile in its nest. While nine stingrays are shown in underwater wells with the sacred storm cloud Wanupini gathering on the horizon.

Details

  • Title: From Biranbirany
  • Creator: Miniyawany Yunupingu
  • Date: 1998/1998
  • Location: Northern Territory
  • Type: Bark painting
  • Medium: Natural pigments on bark
  • Significance: This bark is indicative of the people belonging to the Yirritja moiety of the Gumatj clan in the homeland of Biranybirany. It is one of 80 barks painted for the Saltwater Project by the Yolngu people in an attempt to express their land ownership, rights and laws.
  • See institution's online collections: http://www.anmm.gov.au/collections
  • Dimensions: 178 x 107 mm
  • Credit line: ANMM Collection Purchased with the assistance of Stephen Grant of the GrantPirrie Gallery

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