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We are everything all the time always: Aboriginal sculpture reflecting the cycle of life and death

Past exhibition
2 January - 28 February 2024 London
Open a larger version of the following image in a popup: Paul Maymuru, Manggalili Story, 2019

Paul Maymuru

Manggalili Story, 2019
natural ochres on eucalyptus tetrodonta
212 x 11 cm
83 1/2 x 4 in
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'My father Baluka is a well known artist and he has taught me my sacred clan designs. I also follow my grandfather, Narratjin, who was one of the first artists...
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"My father Baluka is a well known artist and he has taught me my sacred clan designs. I also follow my grandfather, Narratjin, who was one of the first artists to be recognised by the Australian people. He was also there for the opening of the museum in Canberra.
I live in my clan lands at Djarrakpi and my wifes land at Balma. I know all about Yolŋu ceremony and will become a leader of the
Maŋgalili."

The Mangalili song lines are rich and varied. They begin with the Guwak (Koel Cuckoo) seƫng off from Doyndji, a Ritharrngu homeland
far inland, to travel to Djarrakpi in the east, on Blue Mud Bay. Guwak travelled with Marrngu (Possum) and Wurrpan (Emu). Each night on the journey Guwak would rest on top of the Ganyawu tree and feast on its fruits, while Marrngu feasted on Mundutj. Guwak instructed Marrngu to spin his fur into lengths of string that could be used by Yolngu to make various ceremonial objects. Emu provided water, wherever he scratched the ground water would appear. As they travelled the features of the land were created, they eventually arrived at Djarrakpi. Nyapalingu was already there at Djarrakpi, she followed Marrngu’s example and made string, as well as naming plants and animals. The story continues in different directions telling about mortuary processes, the Guwak men becoming the milky way, the Ngoykal (Kingfish) throwing itself on the sand, and the Gunyan (crabs) playing in the sand.
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