Mimih Spirit | RKS024
Acrylic paint on wood | 76 x 3 cm
The Kunwinjku people have been using wood to create art for thousands of years, with each piece telling a unique story of their culture and traditions.
Using tools and techniques passed down through generations, our artists meticulously carve and etch designs into wood, creating stunning pieces that range from small, intricate panels to large, grand-scale installations.
Kayleen is based in remote Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory and works from the Injalak Arts Centre. This Arts Centre has over 200 active members – artists, weavers and craftspeople from Gunbalanya and surrounding homelands.
According to the Kunwinjku people of West Arnhem Land, Mimih spirits were the original spirit beings, who taught Aboriginal people many of the skills they needed to survive in the bush. They also taught aspects of ceremony. Mimih spirits are believed to inhabit the rocky escarpments around Gunbalanya but because they are extremely timid, they are rarely seen by humans. They are frequently depicted in the rock art of Arnhem Land as small, dynamic figures, often shown with a range of hunting tools such as spears, spear throwers, dilly bags and fire sticks.
