The art of Peter Marralwanga - Old Master and ritual leader

Peter Marralwanga was a leading figure in traditional  bark paintings from Western Arnhem Land which depicted important ceremonies and creation stories like the Rainbow Serpent (called Bolung or Ngalyod) and the mermaid-like Yawkyawk. The creation spirits in his paintings were the Djang who made his country and placed the spirits of people within it. While many people from his generation were forced into missions, Peter insisted on staying on country where he was entrusted with the songs, dances and rituals of many different cultural groups. Through his paintings he wanted to share those stories and his work now lives on through his children and the many artists he taught and influenced. Guest: Luke Taylor, anthropologist and co-author (with Ivan Namirrkki) of “Peter Marralwanga: Painter of the Djang of western Arnhem Land” published by ANU PressProducer: Catherine Zengerer