David Malangi Daymirrirju (1927-1998)
Manarryu Mokuy
Bark painting, natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, 65cm by 50.5cm, in a 1960s perspex glazed wood frame

In this picture the artist has portrayed the Manarryu Mortuary ceremony for members of that tribe. The Mokuy (spirit of the deceased) is the central figure and is surrounded by the trees of wild fruit (white dots) which he gathered as a hunter. The harmless, edible grass snake is also portrayed. These items are the subjects for the songs and dances in the cycle, also collected for food for those taking part in the ceremony (the preceeding is inscribed on a small card with the painting). It also states Painted by Malangi, Milingimbi Methodist Mission, Arnhem Land, N.Australia (above is on the back of the painting, which was purchased in Australia July 1964). The card is accompanied by a cutting from The Times newspaper December 17 1965.

The Methodist Overseas Mission was established in Milingimbi in 1923. Most residents are Yolngu indigenous Australians.

David Malangi Daymirrirju (1927-27 June 1998) was an indigenous Australian Yolngu artist from the Northern Territory. He was born at Mulanga, on the east bank of the Glyde River. One of the most well known bark painters from Arnhem Land. The reproduction of one of his designs was produced on the Australian One Dollar note in 1966. He represented Australia at the Sao Paolo Biennalle in 1983. He contributed ten hollow logs for the Aboriginal Memorial at the National Gallery of Australia in 1988. He travelled to New York in 1988 as part of the Dreamings Exhibition of aboriginal art. In July 2004 an exhibition opened of David Malangi's work at the National Gallery of Australia called No Ordinary Place.
See illustration