#ancestral time

MILŊIYAWUY 7 -  Naminapu Maymuru-White

“The recent work of Naminapu Maymuru-White refers to a set of events that took place for the Manggalili clan in ancestral times, namely of two Guwak men, destined to lead their clan to their now homeland of Djarrakpi (around 190 km from Yirrkala).

“Having seen the people settled in their new homeland they announced to the Maŋgalili their farewell, and they travelled out to sea with paddles and a canoe. In the bay, at a place of significance, strong winds developed and a wake from the ancestral turtle capsized the canoe - the men drowned. Attempts were made to rescue the men but it was to no avail, as the men had destined themselves as offerings to the night sky where they and subsequent Maŋgalili souls are seen today in the Milky Way. At this place is the site of Yiŋalpiya, the freshwater crocodile’s nesting place and also the spirit source for Maŋgalili people.

“The stars in Naminapu’s work represent the souls of these ancestors, and all ancestors, past, present and future.”