John Bulun Bulun

(circa 1946-2010)

Flying Fox Droppings and Sacred Stones, 2001

Footnotes

PROVENANCE
Maningrida Arts and Culture, Northern Territory (labels attached verso, cat no.3457-01)
Private collection, Sydney

The label reads in part: 'This paintings is a Yirritja moiety painting which depicts Warrnyu the flying fox [Pteropus alecto].
Warrnyu is the artist's clan totem, and is shown here in the artist's country. The painting also depicts a set of sacred stones, called Bakarra, and three tracts of Ganalbingu country. The places are Gutijwirrka, wherein Bakarra, lies, Jakaljirrpal, and Burrilpurrilnan. The three vertical black stripes in the upper half of the painting indicate flowing water. They are at the same time the divider for the three countries. Bakarra, the sacred stone lies in the middle of the flowing river. "They always there" Warrnyu, the flying fox, passes over it and alights. "He goes to stone. Sit down on the stone". The round flower-like clusters of dots represent bat droppings.

The same flower-like design representing Warrnyu is painted on the murrukunja, or morning star pole, used in the so-called 'morning star' ceremonies of ritual diplomacy which are staged between clans throughout Arnhem Land. During these ceremonies the design may also be painted on men's bodies. In the bottom panel Bakarra, itself is represented in an elongated shape with again bat droppings at the bottom and top and rarrk, or cross-hatching, in the middle. The design of Bakarra is also painted on men's bodies for ceremonial purposes. The vertical lines of rarrk do not only function as border of the two different panels but also indicate the boarder of Ganalbingu country.'