attrib. Mangangina Wurramara
(Australia 1919–1984)
- Community
- Groote Eylandt, Arnhem region
- Language group
- Warnindilyakwa, Arnhem region
Dumabiyandangwa - Kestrel
- Other titles:
- Sea eagle Kestrel, Dumabiyandangwa (kestrel)
- Location
- Not on display
- Further information
The sea-eagle, iniwakada (Haliastur Indus), starting from Wunda-wunda, near Bennett Bay, was flying towards Groote Eylandt when, at Anabura-madja just off the south-east corner of Bickerton Island, he saw and caught a garfish, maracuru. The sea-eagle carried the garfish first to Bartalumba Point, then southward along the western coast of Groote Eylandt to Neira-madja, on the lower south-east corner. After the sea-eagle has eaten the fish he collected many sticks, and built himself a nest on a cliff. Today that nest is a pillar of rock many feet in height. The eagle went to sleep at Imuakada, then woke up and, when soaring in the sky, saw the garfish, maracuru, caught and ate it. Although the white feathers on the neck and rump of the sea-eagle are indicated, the wings of this large eagle are given little emphasis. The markings on the body indicate the feathers.
[Charles P. Mountford, 'Records of the American-Australian scientific expedition to Arnhem Land vol.1: Art, myth and symbolism', pg. 69]
- Place of origin
-
Groote Eylandt,
Northern Territory,
Australia
- Year
- 1948
- Media
- Bark painting
- Medium
- natural pigments on bark
- Dimensions
- 40.7 x 68.6cm
- Signature & date
- Not signed. Not dated.
- Credit
- Gift of the Commonwealth Government 1956
- Accession number
- 9262
