Apelech brothers 2002

This sculpture depicts a significant creation story integral to all five ceremonial groups of the Wik people. The word apelech means ‘clear water’ in the Wik-Mungkan language and refers to the settling of sediments in the sea at the end of the wet season. In keeping with this narrative, the dots on the carvings represent sparkling water and invoke the ceremonial designs painted onto the bodies of the performers who enact this dance.

The full name of the brothers referred to in the title of the artwork is Pul-Uchan, which means ‘two initiates’ in Wik-Mungkan. The younger of the two — the shorter figure with white spots — is from the coastal area, while the older — the taller figure with banded body designs — is from inland. The white pointed spikes protruding from the arms of the older brother represent stingray spines, which the Wik use to decorate spears.