The bark paintings in Saltwater document the spiritual and legal basis of the Yolngu people’s ownership of land in north-east Arnhem Land. The paintings are legal documents which explain how each artist’s ancestors travelled across the saltwater country naming and giving form to the area and the ceremonies associated with this country. Together the bark paintings form a comprehensive map of the saltwater country from Wessel Island in the north to Yirrkala in the centre and Blue Mud Bay in the south, whilst documenting Yolngu culture, knowledge systems, indigenous rights, law, history, Indonesian contact, animals, fishing, oceanography and climate.
The Yolngu sacred knowledge was painted for non-Aboriginal people to teach them Yolngul Law and as proof of ownership of the coastal waters of each artist.
Image above:
Bakulangay Marawili BARALTJA country
Burrut'tji II moiety Yirritja, clan Madarrpa, bark painting, 34 x 83cm
Australian National Maritime Museum collection
Image below:
Nuwandjali Marawili YATHIKPA country
Baru at Yathikpa moiety Yirritja, clan Madarrpa, bark painting, 47 x 118cm
Museum of Art and Culture Lake Macquarie, 1A First Street, Booragul 2284 View in Google Maps
1A First Street , Booragul 2284