Description
This painting belongs to the Yirritja Wobulkarra people and is associated with the saltwater Country at Milaway, near Laŋarra (Howard Island).
It depicts a sacred rock named Dhukurrurru, represented by buthalak (yellow) triangles. This particular Dhukurrurru belongs to the Wobulkarra Clan. The long, connected, diamond like shapes in the work representlatjin (mangrove worms) in their different stages of development and decay; from watharr (white, immature) to buthjalak (yellow), miku (red) and mul (black, rotten), inside the Giyabara (mangrove tree of the Yirritja moiety). The tail of the Ngoykal (giant trevally) which indicates a ceremonial connection between salt water Yirritja clans is often depicted in these works.
The rarrk (cross-hatching) within the work represents ocean currents and may also refer to gapu monuk (a mix of clean fresh and dirty salt water) particularly when white.
This design is painted on the body during Dhapi (initiation ceremony) and is also used inside the Ŋärra, men’s law ceremony.
