Deutscher and Hackett

This painting is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Maningrida Arts and Culture, NorthernTerritory (catalogue number 1250-06). The certificate states, 'James Iyuna has depicted a billabong at a site called Dilebang. Dilebang is regarded as one of the most dangerous and sacred of sites in the Kun-kurulk clan estate. Travel in the area is undertaken with caution as site custodians are aware of the ancestral power of the area. The billabong at Dilebang is near escarpment country rich in rock art and with high concentration of sacred sites. The use of rarrk (crosshatching) all over the surface of the bark painting creates a shimmering effect, which imbues the image with a spiritual power.'