Collection Online

Nakidjkidj spirit
1975

Medium
earth pigments on Stringybark (Eucalyptus sp.)

Measurements
81.7 × 31.7 cm

Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased through The Art Foundation of Victoria with the assistance of the Utah Foundation, Fellow, 1990
© The Estate of Didjbarakka Naroldol

Gallery location
Gallery 2
Ground Level, NGV Australia

 

About this work

The malevolent Nakidjkidj spirit, renowned for his cannibal tendencies, is shown with two of his victims on an atypical white ochre background. He has speared a Mimih woman and her husband with a two-pronged spear. The Nakidjkidj spirit is painted with body designs related to the Mardayin ceremony. Sacred objects are also shown.

Artwork Details

Place/s of Execution
Minjilang, Croker Island, Northern Territory

Accession Number
O.57-1990

Department
First Nations Australia

This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Vizard Foundation