Dhukal Wirrpanda (born c.1957)

WUKIDI TSUNAMI, 2005

natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark

123.0 x 53.0 cm (irregular)

bears inscription verso: artist’s name and Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre cat. 2754A and 2754A

Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre, Yirrkala, Northern Territory
Private collection, Melbourne

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre, Yirrkala, which states in part:

‘This is the ancient tsunami which brought tidal inundation to the inland mortuary site of Wukidi- the start of mortuary ceremony for Djapu, Dhudi Djapu, Marrakulu, Marrangu Wanapuynu and Dhapuyngu clans of North East Arnhem land. Ever since ancestral hunters Balurruwuy and Yangamawuy were swept from their canoe by a huge tidal wave and deposited at Wukidi they have stood as rocks at this site. Since time immemorial the songs dances and designs of this event have guided these clans to deposit the bones of their deceased amongst these rocks many miles from the sea.’