Macassan prau
1964
Medium
earth pigments on Stringybark (Eucalyptus sp.)
Measurements
33.4 × 67.4 cm
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Gift of Mr and Mrs Reuben Hall, 1989
© Mawalan Marika/Licensed by Copyright Agency, Australia
Gallery location
Gallery 2
Ground Level, NGV Australia
About this work
Representations of historical contact with the Yolŋu peoples of North-east Arnhem Land, such as with the Makasar from Sulawesi, Indonesia, illustrate the rich and complex trade relations Australian First Peoples had prior to colonial contact. Sailing from Sulawesi, the Makasar traded goods and worked in collaboration with First Peoples while harvesting trepang (sea cucumber), which they would trade in China. There was significant cross-cultural dialogue that influenced the livelihoods of both groups, including the Makasar’s introduction of metal to Yolŋu people. Mawalan Marika recalls these histories through figurative renditions of prau (boats) and peoples. Marika played an integral role in the development of single-panel bark paintings, as well as contributing to the Yirrkala church panels, both pivotal aspects in the strengthening of the Aboriginal land rights movement.
Artwork Details
Place/s of Execution
Yirrkala, Northern Territory
Accession Number
O.10-1989
Department
First Nations Australia
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Vizard Foundation