Historic One-Offs
Gapu-Monuk Saltwater reveals sacred clan designs demonstrating enduring connection to specific sea country. The Yirrkala Bark Paintings of Sea Country are as historic as they are sacred, as they will never be produced again.
The Yirrkala Bark Paintings of Sea Country map hundreds of kilometres of the coast, showing physical and social features throughout the region. Visitors will see a host of vibrant images including ancestral beings, ancient mariners, symbolic icons and a host of spiritual creatures including snakes, crocodiles, fish, turtles and birds, all set against traditional sacred designs representing fresh, tidal and salt water.
"...For there lies stories and songs, feelings. These are our feelings. We can feel the water as it goes out and as it comes in.
That is why we love the saltwater and sea country."
Statement from Son of Birrkitji*, Dhalwaŋu clan, Yirritja moiety
Gapu-Monuk are words from the Yolŋu matha language, of north-east Arnhem Land. Gapu (water), monuk (salt), describes Saltwater.
Exhibition Details:
Open daily, from 9 November 2017.
Included in the FREE Galleries Ticket.
Opening Hours: 9.30am–5pm,
Australian National Maritime Museum
2 Murray Street
Darling Harbour
Sydney NSW
Source: www.anmm.gov.au