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Gany'tjurr and Minhala

ArtistMr Mayila Wunungmurra

Date1990

Object number00008017

NameSculpture

MediumOchre, softwood, feathers

DimensionsOverall: 1030 × 210 × 240 mm, 2405 g

ClassificationsArt

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionA sculpture by Mayila Wunungmurra of Gany'tjurr (white heron) and Minhala (long-necked fresh water turtle), by Mayila Wunungmurra of the Dhalwaŋu clan, Yirritja moiety, Gan-Gan Northern Territory. This is a design to the Dhalwaŋu clan. Barama (often shown as Minhala-the long necked freshwater tortoise) came from the saltwater, that capacity coming up through the freshwater. Gany’tjurr the Reef heron is an archetype of the Yirritja spear hunter who can be found in fresh or salt environs.HistoryGany'tjurr and Minhala is an example of how, through sculpture, the Ancestral People speak of the forming of land and sea and how to use the great resources of the sea. Gany'tjurr and Minhala shows the development in style in North-East Arnhem Land. This sculpture is about the important Ancestral Being Barrama, the journeys that he undertook and the places where he performed certain acts. The sculpture shows Gany'tjurr (white heron) with Minhala (long-necked fresh water turtle). Minhala, an important spirit being, is seen swimming in the water. The water carries weeds. These have become entangled in the limbs of the tortoise to form streams which in turn portray the feather string armbands worn in ceremonies by the Dhalwaŋu. Barrama, himself when he emerged from the water, had weeds which where really sacred feather pendants hanging from his arms. Gan-gan is near Yirrkala, the major settlement in North-East Arnhem Land. A significant development in recent years at Yirrkala has been the introduction of metal wood carving tools, the use of which has changed the look rather than the nature of Yolŋu carving. Whereas previously the techniques of sculpture consisted of simple reduction, now intricate and adventures carvings using negative spaces are done.SignificanceTo the Dhalwaŋu it s the land and sea that speak, and art is a vehicle through which they can help the country to speak. Using music, song, theatre, painting and sculpture, they tell of The Dreaming people who moved across the countryside and left signs of themselves. But more importantly, The Dreaming people left their spiritual essance and made the land alive.