WANDJINA FIGURES, 1990
LILY KAREDADA
natural earth pigments and bush gum on canvas
100.0 x 80.0 cm
inscribed verso: size and Waringarri Aboriginal Arts cat. AP3403 and S-2822
Waringarri Aboriginal Arts, Kununurra
Private collection, Melbourne
This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Waringarri Aboriginal Arts which states: 'This painting shows Wanjina figures styled after those commonly found in Kimberley cave painting. The Wanjina is the rainmaker. If you go to a cave where there is a Wanjina you should go with someone belonging to the country who can call out in the right way, otherwise the Wanjina can make a big cyclone and blow you away. The little figures are styled after the small figures known as Bradshaw figures, also a common feature of Kimberley cave paintings. The Gooyern are the Wanjina's helpers. The painting also shows bush and sea creatures from the Woonambal country.'