YURLUNGURR THE PYTHON
175
Paddy Dhathangu
(1915 - 1993)
YURLUNGURR THE PYTHON
natural earth pigments and synthetic binder on carved softwood
142.0 cm length
Estimate:
$2,600-3,600
Sold for $2,880 (inc. BP) in Auction 17 - 6 October 2010, Melbourne
Provenance
Private collection, Melbourne
Catalogue text
Ramingining artist Paddy Dhathangu was a senior figure and ceremonial custodian of the Wawaluk story. Represented here is Yurlungurr, the great Python of the Liagallawumirri mythology. A key figure in the Wawaluk story, Yurlungurr was responsible for the topographical formation of the ceremonial ground where all Wawaluk ceremonies are performed today. For a detailed reading of the myth, see Caruana, W., and Lendon, N., The Painters of the Wagilag Sisters Story 1937—1997, National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, pp. 52—71