Sacred Site

Artist James lyuna (1959-2016)

Datec 1993

Object number00016926

NameBark painting

MediumOchre pigments on stringybark (eucalyptus tetradonta)

Dimensions1355 x 550 mm
Display Dimensions: 1350 x 558 mm, 4 mm

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionA painting on bark titled 'Sacred Site' by James Iyuna. 'Sacred Site' is a bark which tells the story of a significant sacred site of the Kurulk, the clan of James Iyuna. The painting depicts a billabong at Dilebang surrounded with kentia palms and waterlilies and tells the story of how two rainbow serpents created the billabong and surrounding vegetation. Language : Kuninjku Moiety : Duwa Country : Mumeka HistoryJames Iyuna was born in 1959 and lives at Mumeka, an outstation and important camping site for the Kurulk situated on the Mann River in Arnhem Land. Along with his brothers, he was taught bark painting by his uncle, Peter Marralwanga who was highly skilled in the process. He learnt the intricate cross hatching pattern that is synonymous with his work. James Iyuna frequently paints sacred sites and their associated stories. He both paints on bark and carves the myths and legends associated with the Mimih spirits of the Kurulk. SignificanceWaterways and billabongs are important sources of water for the Mumeka area. James Iluna shows here their cultural significance by depitcting the billabong at Dilebang and the rainbow serpents who are said to inhabit the surrounding wetlands (represented by the waterlily leaves).