We acknowledge the Gadigal of the Eora Nation, the traditional custodians of the Country on which the Art Gallery of NSW stands.

Title

Three mimihs dancing

(1964)

Artist

Samuel Wagbara

Australia

1928 – 1979

Language group: Maung, Arnhem region

  • Details

    Other Titles
    Bark painting (Three Mimi figures dancing)
    Three Mimi figures dancing
    Place where the work was made
    Croker Island → Western Arnhem Land → Northern Territory → Australia
    Date
    (1964)
    Media category
    Bark painting
    Materials used
    natural pigments on eucalyptus bark
    Dimensions
    76.2 x 54.6 cm (irreg.)
    Signature & date

    Not signed. Not dated.

    Credit
    Purchased 1964
    Location
    North Building, ground level, Yiribana Gallery
    Accession number
    IA2.1964
    Copyright
    © Samuel Wagbara. Licensed by Aboriginal Artists Agency Ltd

    Reproduction requests

    Artist information
    Samuel Wagbara

    Works in the collection

    1

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  • About

    The three animated mimi figures on this early bark from Croker Island contrast markedly with the more static figures typical of Crusoe Kurdals' carvings. Although the images are similar, these express concepts relating to sexual misbehaviour (suggested by their enlarged sexual organs). They also feature ant-like heads and internal patterns in the x-ray style typical of rock art from the same region.

    from Margo Neale, 'Yiribana', Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 1994

  • Places

    Where the work was made

    Croker Island

  • Exhibition history

    Shown in 4 exhibitions

  • Bibliography

    Referenced in 4 publications