Deutscher and Hackett

This painting is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Milingimbi Arts that states: ‘This design depicted is associated with the Djan'kawu sisters who are travelling through Northern Arnhem Land, passing through Garriyuk, south of Galiwinku (Elcho Island) which is Mickey’s homeland. The Djan'kawu sisters are also connected to the desert country where they travel a long way. They have followed water holes on their travels and hunt for oysters, long bums and other shell fish from dawn to dusk, which they place in their dilly bags.

This design is used for body painting during ceremony. One side of the body is painted in the first month of the ceremony, followed the second side the following month. The “inside” part of this story is a secret Men’s story but the ceremony itself is open for both women and children and is performed regularly at Galwinku where there is a sacred tree associated with the story.’