No.108
Artist: George Liwukan (Senior Mala Leader)
Clan: Bukulatjpi
Moiety: Yirritja
Homeland:Dhulji
Born: Galiwinku 1923
Title: MAMU SPIRIT BOAT
Size: 92 x 1980 cm
Canvas / Acrylic / Traditional
Represented in state galleries throughout Australia.
This painting is on the Manu spirit boat from the Yirritja Moiety.
The top and bottom panels or red, black and white triangles are clouds on the horizon line. The large triangles on each side of the painting are the same.
The vertical panel down the centre of the painting is a canoe called “Mmathnjay”. The sacred inside story starts with small zigzag lines or red, white yellow ochre and black.
The area with yellow ochre triangles with black each side, with red circles is the eyes of the octopus and also the eyes for the canoe. Continuing down from this point is the middle of the canoe called “Mamu” this Mamu is a little boy travelling from Cape Wessel to Gove looking for his father and mother. This is associated with the mythology that “Mamu” can change from man to animal, octopus as well as the flying fox at will throughout their journey.
Four flying fox, representing the Yolgnu people, are also in the middle of the canoe painted in yellow ochre.
Right and left are octopus, above and below these are shapes signifying paddles. The left being used as a paddle, the right hand one is the rudder. All background lines indicate saltwater where we also see two green turtles.
This story could also be associated with the Djan-Dfawu sisters coming from the Wessel Island.