Mimi Spirit
Artist
Lena Gurinyia
Datebefore 1955
Object number00016931
NameSculpture
MediumOchres, wood
Dimensions1500 mm, 2.1 kg
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionA carved Mimi by Lena Gurinyia of Mumeka, Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. The scuplture is made from a single piece of wood and is painted brown with black and white ochre dots appearing throughout the body but with the legs left bare.
The Mimi spirits of Arnhem Land are believed to live in the clefts of rocky outcrops and cliffs in the escarpment areas. They are ambivalent spirits that can be dangerous if their space is violated. Simultaneously, they are considered to have taught Western Arnhem Landers how to hunt on the land and from water and are therefore given respect as clever spirits.
HistoryThe artworks are from the Momega outstation on the eastern bank of the Mann River and is located 40 kilometres south of the Manigrida region the selling of art and craft objects to the Manigrida Arts Centre is one of the out-stations main forms of income.
Gunwinggu people at Momega practice a traditional way of life of hunting and gathering and strongly connected to the spirits and stories of their country.SignificanceThis Mimi represents an important spiritual part of the lives of the Gunwinggu and the landscape of the inland waterways in the lives of their community.
