24 June 2008 - Broome - These paintings are both of "Namarali", a Wandjina. The Wandjina is the Supreme Spirit Being to the Mowanjum people who live north of Derby on the Gibb River Road, WA. The Mowanjum people (derived originally from three tribes) see the Wandjina as the true creators of the land (whereas most Aboriginal tribes believe the Dreamtime Snake (or Rainbow Serpent) was the main creative force). In Aboriginal culture the Wandjina were cloud and rain spirits who, during the Dreamtime painted their own images as humans but without mouths (their power is said to be so great that they don't need to speak) on cave walls before they returned to the spirit world. It has also been said if they had mouths, the rain would never cease. They lacked limbs and had a skull-like face with all powerful eyes. Their spirit still exists in billabongs and sacred uunguud (Mother Earth).
"Wallungunder" the big boss Wandjina, came from the Milky Way to create the earth and all the people (gyorn gyorn), the animals and the baby spirits.
The third Wandjina is called "Rimijmuddu" - this Wandjina stole the wives of other Wandjinas.
The three Wandjinas continue to control everything that happens on the land and in the sky and sea.
Donny Woolagoodja from Kunmunya was responsible for designing the "Namarali" Wandjina as featured in the opening Ceremony of the Sydney 2000 Olympics.
Left: Cave Painting of "Namarali"
Right: Donny Woolagoodja's painting of "Namarali".
Above: Sydney 2000 Olympics Opening Ceremony - and there it was, Donny Woolagoodja's depiction of "Namarali". WOW .... what a mission, but now I understand what it was we all looked at during that Opening Ceremony, hope you enjoyed the tale.
I have found myself quite drawn to this "Namarali" Wandjina and now I know why.............
