According to the Kunwinjku people of West Arnhem Land, Mimih spirits were the original spirit beings, who taught Aboriginal people many of the skills they needed to survive in the bush. They also taught aspects of ceremony. Mimih spirits are believed to inhabit the rocky escarpments around Gunbalanya but because they are extremely timid, they are rarely seen by humans. They are frequently depicted in the rock art of Arnhem Land as small, dynamic figures, often shown with a range of hunting tools such as spears, spear throwers, dilly bags and fire sticks.

Size 53 x 3 | Medium Carving | Catalogue # 936-23 | Year 2023

Artist  Brendon Dirdi

Brendon Dirdi is the son of Elaine and Phillip Dirdi. He was taught to paint by his grandfather (mamam, mother’s father), the well known painter Thompson Yulidjirri. 
Brendon has an affinity with digital media, and has worked on the Community Stories database and with photography drones as part of an NT Libraries project at Injalak Arts.
He has also worked for DEMED, the outstation resource centre in Gunbalanya, servicing and maintaining outstations in the West Arnhem area. His country is Kubarledjawuy, on the Liverpool River near Mumeka, and his mother’s country is Namardankardayi near Kabbari.   

further details

Size 53 x 3
Medium  Carving
Catalogue # 936-23
Year 2023