| ID |
UNSW BP 1989/0471 (082487) |
| Artist |
George LIWUKANG BUKURLATJPI (c. 1927 - ) |
| Title |
Hero of iron |
| Alternate Titles |
|
| Category |
Painting |
| Medium |
bark |
| Materials |
ochres on eucalyptus bark |
| Edition Number |
|
| Measurements (cms) |
|
| Height |
108.00 |
| Width |
55.00 |
| Depth |
0.00 |
| Other |
Box frame: 137.5 x 83 x 6.5 cms |
| Marks/Inscriptions |
|
| Location |
|
| Signed |
|
| Produced |
|
| When |
1977 |
| Where |
Australia, NT, Elcho Island |
| Style |
NE Arnhem Land |
| Subject |
Religion |
| Credit Line |
Presented by Professor John Cawte through the Taxation Incentives for the Arts Scheme, 1989 |
| Description/Remarks |
From Cawte, J., "The Universe of the Warramirri: art, medicine and religion in Arnhem Land", Sydney, NSWUP, 1993, p.68, ill. p.69: "following is a contentious* interpretation of this work: Birrindji the Warramirri God of Iron is shown in his workshop at Dhuldji, wearing his crown of long knives. Around him are the articles that he produced in his foundry. Long knives are prominent among the axes, boats, chains and anchors. One boat has a mast which flies a flag. Warramirri contemplating Birrindji are supposed to ponder why their 'iron age' was lost. Was it their own fault through fighting too much? Does an iron age destroy itself because mining violates the earth?"
"* Evidence of the Warrimirri people having foundry technologies has yet to be established. It is more likely these implements were acquired through contact with Maccassan traders/fishermen." |
| Exhibition History |
Exhibition of Bark Paintings & Sculptures The University Club (18/07/1989 - 18/08/1989)
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| Bibliography |
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