DJIRRIDIDI BODY DESIGN, 2005

Important Aboriginal + Oceanic Art
Melbourne
18 May 2011
241

RICHARD BIRRINBIRRIN

born 1953
DJIRRIDIDI BODY DESIGN, 2005

natural earth pigments on hollow log

184.0 cm height

Estimate: 
$800 - 1,200
Sold for $660 (inc. BP) in Auction 20 - 18 May 2011, Melbourne
Provenance

Bula’bula Arts, Ramingining (cat. do1268)
Birrung Gallery, Sydney

Catalogue text

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Bula’bula Arts which states in part: 'The horizontal lines painted on this hollow log can have many layers of meaning. They can represent the tidal marks made by the ebb and flow onto the coastal native cherry trees. They can also represent shining rays of the sun or the shadows at sunset. At another level, djirrididi (as these marks are known) represent the Kingfisher, who also goes by this name. These 'stripes' are painted on men's bodies prior to their return to the public camp of the ceremony ground, marking the end of 'secret men's business'.'