Galwanuk clan, Liyagalawumirr language, Dhuwa moiety
About 1915–1993
Dhäthaŋu became a ceremonial leader of the Liyagalawumirr clan, with particular responsibility for ceremonies concerning the Wägilak Sisters, when his predecessor, Dawidi, died. As a boy he was taken to Milingimbi once the mission was established there, and he lived through the bombing of Darwin during the Second World War.
Dhäthaŋu was a major contributor to The Aboriginal Memorial (1988) at the National Gallery of Australia, and often collaborated with Dorothy Djukulul (born 1942), one of the first women painters in central Arnhem Land. In 1987 he painted a mural for the Darwin Performing Arts Centre and in 1992 was awarded an emeritus fellowship by the Australia Council for his contribution to the arts in Australia.
Painting in the exhibition
All these bark paintings are part of the National Museum of Australia’s collection. © the artist or the artist’s estate, licensed by Aboriginal Artists Agency 2013, unless otherwise specified. These images must not be reproduced in any form without permission.