Painters of the Wagilag Sisters Story 1937-1997

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The dramatic tale of Wititj the Giant Python and the two sisters of the Wagilag clan forms the basis of one of the most important Aboriginal ceremonial cycles and painting traditions. These mythical events herald the arrival of the first monsoon season, as well as providing the basis for ritual activity and religious knowledge. In this book, the art history of this ancient story has been put together through extensive consultation with Aboriginal elders. A tradition in bark painting has been traced over six decades and generations, revealing the distinctive ways in which individual artists continually reinvent their cultural heritage. Essays by Wally Caruana, Nigel Lendon and Djon Mundione, a recorded narrative by Paddy Lilipiyana Dhathangu and contributions by senior Aboriginal artists and traditional owners of the Wagilag Sisters stories, including Albert Djiwada, give a valuable insight into the paintings. Captured in colour photographs are the bark paintings themselves.