George Milaypuma
Guku Ŋäṉitj Djiliwirriw (Honey of Djiliwirri)

This design, belonging to the Gupapuyŋu Ḏaygurrgurr clan of the Yirritja moiety, shows their primary clan design Guku Galaniyin’ (Native Bee and Honey) in the full splendour of its ceremonial expression. The artist, inspired by researching early historic collections from the 1920’s to 1950’s, has returned to the orthodox galaŋarr form his forefathers bestowed upon him.

Galaŋarr is a Yirritja word used by dhuwala-mirri language speakers to indicate the form used when painted on bodies during ceremony. This includes the main rumbal (body) painted on the chest, yaŋara’ (legs), and waṉa (arms) that are painted over the shoulders. During the high law ceremony of ŋärra, these layers of design are added progressively throughout the ceremony to make the final complete form, which is seen in this painting.

23 x 19 x 5 cm