115682374076

Published by CompNet Systems on

Barnumbirr – Morning Star

Barnumbirr as a Morning Star is a creator spirit in Yolngu culture. Her story is part of the Dhuwa moiety. Barnumbirr flew eastward creating a song-line which includes descriptions of flora, fauna, geographical features and clan borders. Barnumbirr’s songline therefore formed the basis of Madayin Law and the Yolngu understanding of the land.

There is a “Morning Star Ceremony” and due to its scale and importance, the requires a significant level of planning. Part of the ceremony features a Morning Star Pole, which is a decorated and feathers are attached to the top of the pole which represent the Morning Star itself.

Categories: Bula'bula Arts

Name: Dorothy Djampalil

Language: Djambarrpuyngu

Community: Ramingining

Biography:

Dorothy Djampalil is an emerging artist, born in Millingimbi into a family of strong and prolific painters. Dorothy was raised and taught to paint by her mother, D Djukulul, a respected artist and one of the first recognised female painters in Ramingining. Her stepfather, renowned Yolŋu painter Djardi Ashley, is also a strong influence in her artistic style.


Dorothy likes to paint her own totem, Banumbirr (Morning Star). However, prefers to depict the totem of her mother and grandfather. These include Lungurrmar (North-East Wind), Baru (crocodile), Lidji Lidji (finch), Ganalbungi Banda (long-neck turtle) from the freshwater story, Gumang Yalman (Magpie Goose), Damilipa (blue tongue lizard), and Dawurrmunuk (itchy caterpillar).

“I want the people to know I paint my mother’s story on the canvas.”

While Dorothy doesn’t have any children of her own, she paints every day with her sisters, Evonne Rraraypum, Joy Borruwa and Joy Burruna, as well as her nieces and nephews. Maintaining the strong family history of painting their cultural story.

Related Posts

Bula'bula Arts

115682373513

Woven Mat Yolŋu weavers of Arnhem Land create utilitarian, ceremonial, and decorative pieces using naturally sourced materials. This mat is made from young Pandanus spiralis leaves, harvested with a wooden hook, stripped of prickles, and Read more…

Bula'bula Arts

115682374217

Woven Mat Yolŋu weavers of Arnhem Land create utilitarian, ceremonial, and decorative pieces using naturally sourced materials. This mat is made from young Pandanus spiralis leaves, harvested with a wooden hook, stripped of prickles, and Read more…

Bula'bula Arts

115682374055

Woven Mat Yolŋu weavers of Arnhem Land create utilitarian, ceremonial, and decorative pieces using naturally sourced materials. This mat is made from young Pandanus spiralis leaves, harvested with a wooden hook, stripped of prickles, and Read more…

© the artist / art centre