No. 106
Artist: Charlie Madjuwi
Senior Mala Leader
Clan: Barrarrwana
Moiety: Yirritja
Homeland: Matamata
Born: 1934 - 2018
Title: BARU CEREMONY
Size: 107 x 1980 cm
Canvas / Acrylic / Traditional
This painting by Charlie is from his father’s side, tells us of his most sacred totem the Baru (Crocodile). The sacred ceremony for this story is held out in the bush were only the elder men are permitted to go. The story being passed down from great grandfather to father to son. The Baru with the diamond pattern we see today. The black diamond shape indicating the dead fire. Red, Yellow and Black ochre fine cross hatching called (Raaff). Indicating saltwater.
Top of this painting left and right of the Baru head, is an area between rocks where the Baru goes to drink freshwater so as not to dehydrate.
The two small fish painted in yellow ochre are called Mango Jack.