Ganiny (Sacred Ceremonial Item), 1999

natural earth pigments and fixative on Arches paper

103 x 152cm

$6,000

Secure payment via Stripe. Prices in AUD.

Provenance: Elcho Island Arts, Elcho Island, NT, Cat No. 12/2756/DAT Cooee Aboriginal Art Gallery, NSW
Artwork story: This is a sacred story about the Gumatj clan, their life and laws. The painting depicts the Ganiny (said Gun ning), a sacred ceremonial item usually held by the clan leader while dancing. It is part of a sacred ceremony (generally a mortuary ceremony) belonging to the Yirritja people and is performed by men only. The ceremony is held under a paper bark tree, which is symbolic and an important part of the ceremony. The white tips of the Ganiny represent the paper bark. This is also the same white clay that is painted on the forehead of the local Yolgnu (aboriginal people from Northeast Arnhemland) for funerals and other ceremonies. Use of the diamond design links the Yirritja clans to their ancestral sources in their dreaming. The diamonds can have many meanings and stories, it can represent water flowing, bees and honey, low tide, salt water pools or sacred fire (the Gumatj fire is linked back to the dreamtime). The three small horizontal lines cutting into the Ganiny are representing the tidal rivers, the three Gumatj clans and the scars found on the chest of initiated elders, representing bravery. The surrounding background crosshatching depicts the tides of the sea coming in and going out, depending on the angle.

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b. 1953

natural earth pigments and fixative on Arches paper

103 x 152cm

$6,000

Secure payment via Stripe. Prices in AUD.

Provenance: Elcho Island Arts, Elcho Island, NT, Cat No. 12/2756/DAT Cooee Aboriginal Art Gallery, NSW
Artwork story: This is a sacred story about the Gumatj clan, their life and laws. The painting depicts the Ganiny (said Gun ning), a sacred ceremonial item usually held by the clan leader while dancing. It is part of a sacred ceremony (generally a mortuary ceremony) belonging to the Yirritja people and is performed by men only. The ceremony is held under a paper bark tree, which is symbolic and an important part of the ceremony. The white tips of the Ganiny represent the paper bark. This is also the same white clay that is painted on the forehead of the local Yolgnu (aboriginal people from Northeast Arnhemland) for funerals and other ceremonies. Use of the diamond design links the Yirritja clans to their ancestral sources in their dreaming. The diamonds can have many meanings and stories, it can represent water flowing, bees and honey, low tide, salt water pools or sacred fire (the Gumatj fire is linked back to the dreamtime). The three small horizontal lines cutting into the Ganiny are representing the tidal rivers, the three Gumatj clans and the scars found on the chest of initiated elders, representing bravery. The surrounding background crosshatching depicts the tides of the sea coming in and going out, depending on the angle.