The Lorrkon is a log, naturally hollowed out by termites, which was traditionally used as a coffin for burials and ceremonies. The Kunwinjku people of Western Arnhem Land painted these with ceremonial designs and used them to store the bones of deceased relatives. The bones were wrapped in paperbark before placing them in the Lorrkon, which were erected on a site of significance to the deceased. In some areas, bones were placed in rock shelters instead.

Manbu Lorrkon makka kundulk dja kadulkrurrk. Bu bininj kadowen wanjh kabirrimurrngdahkendong manbu kunmurrng kore lorrkon. Bu korroko dja bolkkime bu kabirridowen coffin dorrengh karrbendudjeng. Dja bu korroko birridoweni bindikukkurrmi kore kuwarderurrk wanjh bindibawoni Kaluk birridurndengi bindinani kunmurrngwi yoy.

Size 15 x 41 cm | Medium Paper | Catalogue # 1980-22 | Year 2022

Artist  Joey Nganjmirra

Joey Nganjmirra is a storyteller, dancer and cultural ambassador. Amongst the younger generation in Gunbalanya, he is one of those who have taken on the task of carrying on the Stories.
Many of his works are driven by narrative, with figures in different stages of a story compressed into a single scene. Others include strong graphic forms, often overlayed and woven into complex designs. His works are primarily figurative, but the interlocking figures sometimes tend towards abstraction and he also produces abstract works based on ceremonial patterns. A look through his works reveals a broad range of stories and original compositions rivalled by few other artists at Injalak.
His Mamam (maternal grandfather) Mirndabal Manakgu was from Mangardubu, and he has many stories from this area north of Gunbalanya such as Wulwunj.
Joey Nganjmirra is part of a rich artistic family (Nganjmirra) and clan group (Djalama). He is a member of the Karrbarda dance troupe which often performs at festivals as well as local ceremonies. He is the son of Rachael Manakgu and Steven Nganjmirra. 

further details

Size 15 x 41 cm
Medium  Paper
Catalogue # 1980-22
Year 2022