iDIDJ Australia Didgeridoo Cultural Hub

Here are some pics of an old Milingimbi yidaki. It is a 1960s piece with artwork that looks strikingly similar to acclaimed artists of the time: Bunguwuy, Lipundja, Dawidi et. al. The painted design in ochre belongs to the Liyagalawumirr clan (Lilipiyana, Walkuwalku lineages).

Kyle, who do you reckon is the artist of this Milingimbi yidaki?

Pics of mouthpiece and bell are approximately proportional.

It's quite hard to attribute work like this as the Milingimbi artists of the 60s were very prolific and all painted in a similar manner. That being said, the patterning is similar to Malangi's work, however the style of linework makes me think that this may have been done by Bininywuy (sic).

I'll have a look at some reference material and see if I can make a better judgement...

Hi Kyle,

I'd rule out Malangi, and Binyinyuwuy... not sure, possible, but I have to check too.

I can see why you may have thought the art to be Malangi, Kyle. I've always noticed Malangi's colors to be rather distinctive- muted, if you get my meaning- and this is an excellent piece.

As you pointed out, tracing a specific piece back to a single artist must be quite difficult due to both the sheer quantity being produced and striking stylistic similarities between artists of the same 'school'.

Hey Jason,

I didn't think that Malangi did this Jason, only that it resembled some of his work and incorporated similar motifs. I had a bark painting by Djawa which depicted snakes painted very much like these. Another artist to throw into the mix!

Nice one!

No worries, dude! I've seen one or two photos of instruments painted by Malangi, but mostly barks and, of course, the sculptures.

Heh Guan,

I have a stick with a design similar to that one - excluding the pythons. Like stylised ovate leaves on a branch with inflorescences between. And the pattern repeated with circular "leaves" - do you recall it mate ? A poor image can be seen on this page...(acquired 1980 without documentation)

WARNING - PAGE CONTAINS IMAGES OF DECEASED

http://www.manikay.com/didjeridu/didjback.shtml

Hi Peter,

I do remember that yidaki of yours and it does bear some resemblance to the one I have. But I think they were painted by different hands. Nice pics of you by the way on that page!

Guan

Heh buddy,

nope I didn't think it was the same "artist" either but maybe there's a Liyagalawumirr connection - always wondered where it may have come from and interesting if it is that particular clan. Yep, some funny old photos of me there - hope that gave you a chuckle !! P.

Hi Peter,

Do you have a close-up of the painted design of your yidaki? It'll be interesting to see it again as it has been some years...

Guan