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The crocodile ancestor come to Maragalidban and put the crocodile spirit children there
The crocodile ancestor come to Maragalidban and put the crocodile spirit children there

The crocodile ancestor come to Maragalidban and put the crocodile spirit children there

Artist (1925-2008)
Datec 1970
Object number00015658
NameBark painting
MediumOchre, bark
DimensionsOverall: 770 x 600 mm, 1.05 kg
Display Dimensions: 757 x 587 mm, 3 mm, 1050 kg
Copyright© Mick Kubarkku
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA painting on bark depicting four crocodiles by Mick Gubargu titled 'The Crocodile Ancestor come to Maragalidban in the Dreamtime and put the crocodile spirit children there'. Crocodiles are prevalent throughout the Liverpool River and Maragalidban Creek area and feature in many ancestral Dreamtime stories. The Ancestral Crocodile roamed from place to place creating sacred elements, the Law, fire and young crocodiles with his descendants, the Gunwinggu, doing the same. Mick Gubargu was from the upper Liverpool River and Maragalidban Creek area which are heavily populated with crocodiles. HistoryThe Gunwinggu people live between the Liverpool River and the East Alligator River. Traditional beliefs remain important to the Gunwinggu with Ngalyod, the Rainbow Serpent playing an important part in their art and traditions. The Gunwinggu live in Gunbalunya and Maningrida. Crocodiles are prevalent throughout the area and feature in the Dreamtime of the Liverpool River country. The Ancestral Crocodile roamed from place to place creating sacred elements, the Law, fire and young crocodiles with his descendants, the Gunwinggu, doing the same. SignificanceThe painting of Dreamtime stories is one way Indigenous Australians tell and reinforce their connection to country. It is a long and continuous tradition and the artist here, Mick Gubargu, was an Arnhem Land painter who could interpret images on rock galleries.