MUNHALA DHAMARRANDJI - BATJIMURRUNU

MUNHALA DHAMARRANDJI
BATJIMURRUNU,  2023
97.5 x 69 cm
Earth pigments on Stringybark
 
REGION
Yirrkala NE Arnhem Land, NT
 
PROVENANCE
Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre, NT
Art Leven, Gadigal NSW
 
STORY
This painting carries the miny’tji of Batjimurruŋu a shellfish of the mangroves area which climbs the aerial roots of the mangroves as the tide comes in. It is sung by the Djambarrpuyngu clan with the Guyula / Dhamarrandji surnames and relates to the Buckingham Bay area of Gurula Dhulmuwandany. It is a design learnt by the artist via her mother’s first husband and is her classificatory sister clan.
 
This place and design, songs and the shellfish itself are related to the songlines of the Djaŋ'kawu sisters of the Dhuwa moiety. Batjimurruŋu is Cassidula angulifera or the Angular Ear Shell. The synonyms are miniminipi and mitjalaŋaniŋ.
 
EXHIBITED
Gathul’puy - Belonging to the Mangroves December 14th - January 11th 2024