Mawalan Marika (born 1957) facts for kids

Mawalan Marika (born 1957) is a talented Yolngu artist from Arnhem Land in Australia's Northern Territory. He is also a special guardian of his people's land and traditions. To tell him apart from his grandfather, he is sometimes called Mawalan 2 Marika. His father was the famous artist and leader Wandjuk Marika. His aunt is Banduk Marika.

Who is Mawalan Marika?

Mawalan Marika is a member of the Yolngu people. They are an Indigenous Australian group from Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory. He is known for his art and for being a "land custodian." This means he helps look after his people's land and their ancient laws and stories.

His name, Mawalan, comes from the mawalan, which is a digging stick. This stick is important in the creation story of the Rirratjingu clan, told by the Djang'kawu ancestors.

As of 2018, Mawalan is the main male guardian of his clan's laws. He shares this important job with two women from his clan. He has a special role in the ceremonies for the eastern side of the Port Bradshaw peninsula at Yalangbara. This area is known as the "sunrise" side.

Mawalan's Art and Exhibitions

Mawalan Marika created most of his paintings before the late 1980s. However, he made new paintings about Yalangbara for a special art show. This show was called "Saltwater" and toured in 1999–2000. It was put together by the Buku-Larrnggay Mulka Centre.

Later, the Australian National Maritime Museum in Sydney bought these paintings. You can also see his artwork in other important places. These include the National Gallery of Australia and the National Museum of Australia in Canberra. His art is also at the Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory in Darwin. In the United States, his work is at the Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection at the University of Virginia in Charlottesville.

In 2010, Mawalan gave a speech at the start of the Yalangbara: Art of the Djang’kawu exhibition. He spoke about his aunt, Banduk Marika, who worked hard to create this exhibition. He also mentioned his father, Wandjuk, and his aunt's son.

Protecting Land and Culture

Besides his art, Mawalan Marika has worked in many other important roles. He has helped with education, environmental protection, and cultural projects. He worked in Yirrkala and later at Sheperdson College on Elcho Island.

In 2003, Mawalan worked with his aunt, Banduk, and a person who studies cultures, Geoffrey Bagshaw. Together, they helped get Yalangbara listed on the Register of the National Estate. This listing helps protect important places in Australia.