Mother and Child Wandjina by Mercy Fredericks

Wandjina have families too. Ever-present, elusive and powerful, they not only paint themselves on to the walls of their caves; they marry and have children, just like the humans with whom they interact. As keepers of the Law, Wandjina can be vengeful, causing violent storms, but they also bring rain to replenish waterholes and rivers during the wet. These conflicting attributes are reflected in Mercy’s painting. The predominant white colouring and shape of the Wandjina’s body represent the water and clouds. The red pigment on the chest area is the “Tili” (heart) of the Wandjina, representing the human part. Natural ochre and pigment on bark.