Dhambit Mununggurr

2019, acrylic on bark
196 x 91 cm
Cat No 3213-19

Dhambit Mununggurr
Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre

This piece is a reference to Yirritja renewal ceremony, which is by definition a shared communion of Yirritja moiety clans, which does not relate to circumcision or mortuary rites. Spirits of deceased people are on a cyclical journey from their point of death to the reservoir of souls particular to their clan identity. But at these irregular ceremonies they all congregate for one last dance together before heading their separate ways. There are relationships between Yirritja moiety clans that are renewed through Yukuwa ceremony at particular sites which relate to the ritual exchange of sacred objects, song and dance.

These ‘renewal’ ceremonies in Yolngu law occur irregularly when the time is right. They are independent of the funeral, circumcision and age grading ceremonies that occur all the time. They are held at specific natural clearings within the general Stringybark forest that covers most of Arnhem Land.

The documentation of a different work detailing the Garma site at Gulkula (which is depicted here) says as follows;

“This piece and the Festival and site itself flag reference to a class of Yirritja renewal ceremony which is by definition a shared communion of Yirritja moiety clans which does not relate to circumcision or mortuary rites. There are relationships between Yirritja moiety clans that are renewed through Yukuwa ceremony at particular sites which relate to the ritual exchange of sacred objects, song and dance.

– BUKU-LARRNGGAY MULKA CENTRE