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Mokuy Spirit
Mokuy Spirit

Mokuy Spirit

Artist (1952 - 2018)
Date2015
Object number00054767
NameSculpture
MediumOchre on cotton wood
DimensionsOverall: 2070 × 170 × 145 mm, 1.85 kg
Copyright© Nawurapu Wunungmurra
ClassificationsCeremonial artefact
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThe 36 Mokuy Spirits reflect the Yolŋu conception of life, that the spirit is eternal. We all have a spirit and once our bodies die that spirit’s journey continues. Ceremonies are still practiced that guide and protect that spirit’s journey to the reservoir of souls particular to that clan identity from which it emerged. The grief that people feel in death is equated in Yolŋu songs with the sadness at the departure of the Macassans when they leave Northeast Arnhem land on the south easterly Dhimurru wind of May/June. The imagery of the setting sun striking the clouds on the horizon and colouring them pink is like the departing spirit and equated with the red Prau sails disappearing over the horizon. A life is over. A season is finished. Families are separated.SignificanceThese 36 Mokuy Spirits are significant in relaying the connection and cyclical journey held within Yolŋu culture and that the conception of life is that the spirit is eternal.


Mokuy Spirit
Nawurapu Wunuŋmurra
2015
Mokuy Spirit
Nawurapu Wunuŋmurra
2015
Mokuy Spirit
Nawurapu Wunuŋmurra
2015
Mokuy Spirit
Nawurapu Wunuŋmurra
2015
Mokuy Spirit
Nawurapu Wunuŋmurra
2015
Mokuy Spirit
Nawurapu Wunuŋmurra
2015
Mokuy Spirit
Nawurapu Wunuŋmurra
2015
Mokuy Spirit
Nawurapu Wunuŋmurra
2015
Mokuy Spirit
Nawurapu Wunuŋmurra
2015
Mokuy Spirit
Nawurapu Wunuŋmurra
2015
Mokuy Spirit
Nawurapu Wunuŋmurra
2015
Mokuy Spirit
Nawurapu Wunuŋmurra
2015