Mulkun Wirrpanda is the daughter of the great Yolngu leader Dhakiyarr Wirrpanda. As the eldest and most knowledgeable for the Dhudi-Djapu clan from Dhuruputjpi, Mulkun Wirrpanda is acknowledged as a leader. Mulkun is one of the few Yolngu women to have this status.
Dhakiyarr’s descendents have taken steps to restore his honour. Seventy years after his disappearance, the Wirrpanda family held a Wukidi or burial ceremony in Darwin, a ceremony to resolve a conflict between tribes that have wronged each other. A commemorative artwork was ceremonially installed in the Darwin Supreme Court.
Mulkun Wirrpanda paints Dhudi-djapu miny’tji (sacred clan design) that depicts her land at Dhuruputjpi. Mulkun was an early practitioner of works without figurative imagery within the miny’tji. Until recently the painting of this 'raw’ miny’tji was restricted to ceremonial use. The work is always done using natural earth pigments (ochres). Mulkun usually paints in the Yalata and Dharrangi areas of her clan estate Dhuruputjpi.
Mulkun paints on bark, larrakitj (memorial poles) and yidaki (didgeridoos) and is a talented carver, weaver and print maker. Her work has been exhibited throughout Australia and in Asia.
Mulkun Wirrpanda is widow to Wakuthi Marawili, a Madarrpa clan leader. She is also mother (by kinship) to senior artist Djambawa Marawili who chairs the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Art Centre and Museum.
- Writers:
- Jo Holder
- Date written:
- 2015
- Last updated:
- 2015
