Lot 47

Sotheby's, Sydney, 09/11/1997, lot. 220

This painting was originally sold with documentation that read, 'Mimi spirits of increase caves performing a ritual to call up cumulus cloud spirits in late November. The little black rain and cloud spirits are in a furious motion, dancing, singing and leaping from the dark storm caves, to travel up into the sky on dark rolling clouds to make 'big' rains to refresh the land and renew all life forms. These spirits assist Barra, the 'boss' of the storms to bring in the wet season. In the centre are magic symbols which belong to the Dua and Jirritja moieties. The bottom panel shows ground Mimis dancing and singing for big rains in the coming 'wet' season. They are performing a yam dance: and carry small sweet yams in their dilly bags.'