Item X 81228 Carving. Gupapuyngu Daygurrgurr. Milingimbi, Eastern Arnhem Land, Northern Territory, Australia. c.1950

Summary

This wooden painted figure represents the ancestor Murayana who began his journey at Djiliwirri, a place on the western side of Buckingham Bay and the spiritual homeland for Gupapuyngu Daygurrgurr clan. The distinctive patterning on his body is the clan's mardayin minytji or sacred design and represents the nest of the native bee.

Physical Description

An anthropomorphic figure set on a circular base and carved from a single piece of hardwood. It is painted with natural pigments, and the torso is painted with a diamond pattern.