Groote Eylandt Totems, 2009, Alfred Lalara & Alice Durilla
Acrylic on canvas, 91cm x 122cm
Provenance: Anindilyakwa Arts & Cultural Centre, NT.
Alfred and Alice were both born and grew up at Angurugu. Alfred learnt stories from his father and these are passed down in his paintings, and is one of the few who paint in the traditional Groote Eylandt line work. Alice using traditional line work using ochres and acrylic. (1)
From the authenticity certificate: The Mamarika Wind is known as the south east winds which come in the dry season, this is also known as Yiniyerrma. This wind is also used by the Macassans in their travels to guide them home. Dugongs (dinungkwulanga) live in deep sea and in shallow waters. They eat sea grass and are a great source of food for the Anindilyakwa people. The Bara wind belongs to the Bara people. It represents the coming of the wet season, and was used to travel from Macassar to Groote Eylandt and along the Arnhem Land coast line. The two circles at either end of the wind represent the beginning of the fire season before the south east winds come. Oyster catchers (dubudekbuda) live at the beach and in the shall waters and are a great source of food for the Anindilyakwa people.