George Malibirr (Milpurrurru 1934–98), the senior Ganalbingu painter, has written this about the Marradjirri ceremony: 'Marradjirri means "string-making" where the string, called "marawurr", has feathers woven into it. The feathers symbolise the leaves and flowers of the waterlily, Yalman or Biyarri, which is associated with the Evening Star. The string is made in the ceremony and then it is wrapped around a solid pole.'¹

In Arnhem Land, ceremonies, including the 'Rom' or 'Marradjirri', are performed by men and women to establish connections between clans and language groups in the region. These ceremonies are lengthy rituals of diplomacy, often performed on formal occasions for the purposes of trade and exchange and cementing relationships between communities. The best known of these ceremonies is the Morning Star.

Marradjirri poles are usually made as gifts. This Marradjirri pole by Namiyal Bopirri is of exceptional quality which is evident in the fine wrapping of the string and the use of the muted ochre colours and designs specific to the Dhuwa moiety. These features make it a particularly important or strong piece.² It is unusual for a woman to be making these poles today. Since the passing of the major bark painter David Malangi, only a few women from the Central Arnhem Land region continue to make them. Bopirri is one of the select group of women who have been taught to make these special ceremonial objects.

Endnotes

1. George Milpurrurru, The Art of George Milpurrurru, National Gallery of Australia, Canberrra, 1993, p.13. (A painting of a Marradjirri ceremony appears on p.31, pl.17.)
2. Dion Mundine, Telephone conversation with Avril Quaill, Associate Curator, Aug. 2002.