DHUA TOTEMS, 2013
BILLY BLACK DURRGUMBA
natural earth pigments and synthetic binder on canvas
185.0 x 85.0 cm
bears inscription verso: artist’s name, date and Bula'bula Arts cat. CP3069-13
Bula'bula Arts, Ramingining, Northern Territory
The McKay Superannuation Fund Art Collection, Brisbane
This work is accompanied by a certificate from Bula’bula Arts which states: ‘All Aboriginal people originate from a spiritual source, fixed in a particular place in their land or the sea. These ‘Spiritual Reservoirs’ are often in the form of special waterholes made by Wangarr (Creative Beings), long ago close to the beginning of time. These creator beings moved across the country side, shaping the land and implanting in each tract of country, the spiritual life force for the people who were to own it. These Creative Spirits took many forms. When they gave the land to each group they also gave songs, dances, ceremony, the associated laws and language.’
This painting is featured prominently on the Bula Bula Arts website: http://www.bulabula-arts.com