Mother and Child Wandjina by Mercy Fredericks

Artwork
Mummy Wandjina

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.

Available at:

Waringarri Aboriginal Arts

One big mob altogether so that our grandchildren’s, children’s children will know their culture.

The artists say, ‘This place - it’s a good art centre!’ And it is. In the heart of Miriwoong country the Centre is focused on maintaining and passing on culture through dance, story and painting to...

Address:

16 Speargrass Road
Kununurra WA 6743
Australia

Open Hours

Mon to Fri 9am - 4:30pm; May to Sept also open Sat 10am – 2pm

More from the Waringarri Aboriginal Arts

Beautiful and practical

This delicate, traditional bark container, with attached hair string, is part of the Dawang collection. Decorated in modest design that imbue the container with spirit, it expresses the unity of...

Dingo dreaming: A Paddy Carlton painting

Paddy’s country is Goorbijim - the Bullo River that flows into the great Victoria River, depicted as the central feature of this painting. The hills and water holes of the painting tell the story of a...

While you're in the area

Filter
Kelly's Knob Lookout
Attraction
Kelly's Knob Lookout
Check out the views of Kununurra and the Ord River irrigation area from...
Off Kelly Road, Kununurra, WA 6743
Waringarri Aboriginal Arts
Attraction
Waringarri Aboriginal Arts
Waringarri Aboriginal Arts is a living, growing art centre celebrating the...
16 Speargrass Road, Kununurra, WA 6743
Lily Creek Lagoon
Attraction
Lily Creek Lagoon
The beautiful waters of Lily Creek Lagoon lie alongside the town centre of...
Old Darwin Road, Kununurra, WA 6743
Hoochery Distillery
Food and Drink
Hoochery Distillery
Take a scenic drive through the Ord Valley and visit Hoochery Distillery...
300 Weaber Plain Road, Kununurra, WA 6743