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Yukuwa is one of the artist‘s names and the topic of this work. It is almost a self-portrait. This work is a reference to Yirritja renewal ceremony, which is by definition a shared communion of Yirritja moiety clans, which does not relate to circumcision or mortuary rites. There are relationships between Yirritja moiety clans that are renewed through Yukuwa ceremony at particular sites and which relate to the ritual exchange of sacred objects, song and dance. Yukuwa is a yam whose annual reappearance is a metaphor for the increase and renewal of the people and their land. Traditionally, the invitation to such a ceremony is presented as an object in the form of a yam with strings emanating from it with feathered flowers at the end. This is a suggestion of the kinship lines that tie groups together.—Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre © Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory

Details

  • Title: Yukuwa
  • Creator: Djirrirra Wunungmurra
  • Creator Lifespan: 1968
  • Creator Nationality: Australian
  • Creator Gender: Female
  • Date: 2010
  • Type: Bark Painting
  • Rights: Purchased 2010, Telstra Collection, Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory © licensed by Buku -Larrnggay Mulku Centre
  • Medium: natural pigments on bark
  • Geographical Region of Artist: Gurrumuru, North-east Arnhem Land
  • Exhibition: 27th Telstra National Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art Award 2010
  • Ethnic Language Group: Yolngo Matha
  • Dimensions: 186 x 69 cm
  • Collection: Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art
  • Artist Ethnicity: Aboriginal

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