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Stone Blades

This log is an offcut from Mako or didjeridu making. It has been painted to tell an important Wagilak tribe story of collecting and shaping Laar’da. These are stones shaped into sharp spear tips and razor blades; important tools for hunting and boys initiation.

Painting has been completed using a handmade Jarlk brush harvested from local billabongs and wet areas. Raark, or fine line work is in Yirritja style and consists of three or four lines before alternating colours. Dots are also important part of the Wagilak story and depict gapu or water.

Name: Harry Malibirr


Language: Wägilak, Ganalbiŋu, Ritharrŋu


Community: Wugularr (Beswick)


Biography:

Harry was born at Elcho Island and is an artistic cultural man through mediums of painting, carving and ceremonial dancing of Bungul. Harry learned art through watching and absorbing knowledge from his father and uncle. Both were painters who encouraged Harry to paint small bits of their art, helping gather knowledge, skills and confidence.  
Harry works with both modern acrylics, as well as traditional ochres/stones and is confident with a Jarlk reed brush. He works on canvas and bark, while also carving yidaki or didj, and larrakitj or lorrkon.


© the artist / art centre