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Wandjina & Unguds (cloud and rain spirits & totems)

The Wandjina spirits are highly respected by the Worrora, Ngarinyin and Wunumbul people who live at Mowanjum and up the Gibb River Road to Kalumburru in the North West Kimberley region of Western Australia. The Wandjina gave the Law, Culture and Language to the people to abide by. These customs are carried on today. The Unguds represent the dreaming of the people which the Wandjina has given. The Ungud is given before birth to the parents, grandparents aunts or uncles of a child, through dreams, or it may come as a living animal.This is considered as a gift from the Wandjina to the parent, the animal becomes a gift to the unborn child which the child belongs to. Now when the child dies it goes back to being that animal. Today each and every individual has their own animal that belongs to them.

Name: Laurel Burgu


Language: Worrora, Ngarinyin


Community: Mowanjum


Biography:

Laurel started painting in 2008.

As a novice painter, Laurel is hesitant to talk about her work. She is currently working on small scale canvasses, learning to draw the Wandjinas.

She says, I can do whatever i can to finish my lovely artwork.

Laurel paints different Wandjinas using red, white and black ochre paint. She also practices in acrylic.

Laurel is the eldest of her 3 youger sisters. Alison, Kirsty and Colleen burgu who are all painters.

 

 

Group Exhibitions:

2009       Mowanjum Festival – Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre, Derby

2008       Mowanjum Festival – Mowanjum Art and Culture Centre

 

 


© the artist / art centre