Mokuy

3D Model

Bulthirrirri Wunuŋmurra Yolŋu Matha language born 1981 lives Gurrumuru, NT

Mokuy 2023 earth pigment on stringybark

‘The mokuy or nänuk (spirits) come in together, Dhuwa and Yirritja, to the sacred ground called Balambala, past Gäṉgan. The spirits go there and that’s where they make the yiḏaki sound. It’s like showing Yukuwa (sacred yam emblem) and Morning Star feathers – they are different. There are different sounds for Yirritja and Dhuwa. The Yirritja and Dhuwa play yiḏaki to call in the mokuy to the same ground, Balambala. The Yirritja mokuy come in on the birds, djiḻawurr (scrub fowl) and bugutj-bugutj (banded fruit dove). The Dhuwa mokuy they come in from raŋi side (saltwater).’

Wandjuk Marika Memorial 3D Award (Sponsored by Telstra)