Deutscher and Hackett

This work is accompanied by a certificate from Buku-Larrngay Mulka Arts which states: ‘This work represents Garrimala, a billabong near the artist’s residence, the Dhalwanu clan homeland at Gängan. It is a sacred site for the artists’ mother’s Gälpu clan. But this imagery really refers to perhaps the oldest continuous human religious iconographical practice – the story of the Rainbow Serpent in West Arnhem Land rock shelters. Wititj is the all-powerful Rainbow Serpent (olive python) that travelled through Gälpu clan lands and on further, during the days of early times called Wanarr. Djaykun the Javanese file snake is a companion and possible alternate incarnation of Wititj, living in amongst the Dhatam, or waterlilies, causing ripples and rainbows (djari) on the surface of the water (one reference in the cross hatching).’