Institute for Biodiversity Science and Sustainability

CAS Anthropology Collections Database


Catalog Number CAS 2005-0006-0005   CAS 2005-0006-0005; Bark painting
Category Visual Arts
Object Name Bark painting
Culture Australian Aborigine
Global Region Australia
Country Australia
State/Prov./Dist. Northern Territory
County
Other Geographic Data Arnhem Land; Village: Oenpelli Mission
Maker's Name Ngulei
Date of Manufacture ca. 1965
Collection Name N/A
Materials Eucalyptus bark; Watercolor paints or earth pigments; Native cordage
Description Painting on flattened sheet of eucalyptus bark, titled "The Legend of Tor Rock", depicting a legendary tale about a man named Wuragag, (who turned himself into a snake) and the creation of Nimbuwar Rock; Depicted is a snake, a mythological creature, and various geometric shapes (see brief account of legend in accession folder); Image is done in rust brown, mustard yellow, white, and black pigments or watercolors against a plain rust brown background; Peeled sticks are lashed with native cordage to front of panel along upper and lower edges to prevent warping.
Dimensions (cm) Width = 27.5, Thickness = 0.5, Length = 59.5