Artwork Story
There are 7 artworks in this set, with a small panel and 6 x 25cm x 25cm.
This group of paintings illustrates an Atyetyart story from the olden days, recounting a time when young men were preparing for initiation and a group of red ochre men arrived in their Country. As tensions grew, the senior men kept watch and prepared for the possibility of conflict, while the visiting mob camped nearby and discussed taking the young men.
As told by Jeffrey Kunoth:
1. 17cm x 97cm
a) Young men prepare for initiation, sleeping and resting at night.
b) The next day, our mob watches out for the red ochre men from another mob.
c) The red ochre men from the other mob arrive, coming to cause trouble.
d) The red ochre mob sets up camp.
e) The red ochre mob remains at camp, talking about taking the young men.
2. Our mob, wearing headdresses, makes a big fire so the other mob can see them. A wolf dog is there too. 25cm x 25cm
3. The next day, the other mob comes and a big fight begins. 25cm x 25cm
4. More fighting, arguing and shouting. The other mob eventually runs away. 25cm x 25cm
5. Our mob chases them and more fighting takes place. Many people are killed, and the rest of the other mob runs away again. 25cm x 25cm
6. A long time later, our mob returns to the area. Only bones are left. 25cm x 25cm
7. Everything is quiet now. Our mob camps in the sandy riverbed. 25cm x 25cm
This style of storytelling through painting has sparked growing interest among younger Aboriginal men who are eager to learn more about the Atyetyart - the stories and knowledge of the old people.
