Djembirri'
Date2018
Object number00055933
NameFish carving
MediumEarth pigments on wood
DimensionsOverall: 222 × 580 × 60 mm
Copyright© Guykuḏa Munuŋgurr
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineAustralian National Maritime Museum Collection
DescriptionCarved wooden sculpture of a Djembirri by Guykuḏa Munuŋgurr. Djembirri' is the name for a mature Mangrove Jack (Lutjanus argentimaculatus).HistoryDjembirri' is the name for a mature Mangrove Jack (Lutjanus argentimaculatus). Dharrawata is the immature Mangrove Jack. This is one of the most delicious fish with very impressive teeth. In the Midawarr season after the Wet when fish are ready to harvest they also have large deposits of pinky belly fat in their abdominal cavity which Yolŋu are very careful to retain when guttng the fish as this is a huge enhancement to flavour. It appears in freshwater creeks, estuaries, around reefs and in the ocean.SignificanceIn Yolŋu law Rangga or sacred objects are never revealed and their shape can only be guessed at. It is assumed that it was the similarity of these manifestations of totems with such Rangga which caused elders to veto Guykuḏa Munuŋgurr naturalistic representations of species. He specifically disavows any sacredness for these works. They are 'just art' or 'just for fun'.
An area where Guykuḏa Munuŋgurr has been able to play with form and not attract negative attention is in his representations of fish. This work is part of a series begun in 2018. As a Homeland resident living on the coast of a vibrant sea estate which includes estuaries and coral reefs, big rivers and ocean he feeds himself and his family with his knowledge of the land. This familiarity allows him to shape these sculptures from memory not from images or life.
