Wonggu Mununggurr facts for kids

Wonggu Mununggurr (born around 1880, died 1959) was an important Aboriginal Australian artist and leader. He belonged to the Djapu clan of the Yolngu people. The Yolngu live in the northeast part of Arnhem Land in Australia's Northern Territory.

Life of Wonggu Mununggurr

Wonggu Mununggurr was born in 1880 in Northeast Arnhem Land. His birthplace was Caledon Bay, and he was part of the Djapu clan. The Djapu are a large group of Aboriginal people called Yolngu. They live in the North-East Arnhem Land region.

Family and Leadership

Wonggu was a respected elder in the Djapu clan. As a leader, he had many wives and a large family. Many of his children also became well-known artists, just like him. Wonggu would teach his sons his special art style. He also showed them how to add their clan's unique designs to their artworks.

In 1934, three of Wonggu's sons were arrested. They were accused of hurting some Japanese visitors. After a lot of effort, his sons were released in 1936. This event led Wonggu to move his family. Between 1937 and 1938, they moved from Caledon Bay to a place called Yirrkala.

Working with Donald Thomson

Wonggu also helped a man named Donald Thomson. Thomson was an explorer and anthropologist. Wonggu provided guides and scouts to help Thomson explore the area.

During World War II, Donald Thomson created a special unit in 1941. It was called the Northern Territory Special Reconnaissance Unit (NTSRU). This unit was mostly made up of Aboriginal people from Arnhem Land. Wonggu and many of his sons were part of this important group.

Wonggu met with Donald Thomson at Caledon Bay. They worked to create peace between the Aboriginal people and the government. Their friendship grew after Wonggu's sons were arrested. Thomson carried a "Måk" (a special message stick) from Wonggu's sons to their father. Wonggu then gave a Måk back to Thomson. This showed trust from the Yolngu people. Wonggu also gave Thomson some bark paintings as a sign of respect.

Art and Exhibitions

Wonggu Mununggurr began painting his sacred designs in 1935 at Yirrkala. Interestingly, he sometimes painted the designs of the Yirritja clan. These were different from his own Dhuwa clan designs.

In 1936, a new mission was planned for Yirrkala. It was called the Methodist Overseas Mission (MOM). This mission aimed to spread Christianity and help the Yirrkala community. The mission also supported itself by selling artwork made by local people. Wonggu Mununggurr was one of the artists who contributed.

In 1947, Wonggu Mununggurr and other Yirrkala leaders created many paintings. These were originally done on bark using natural colors. There were over 200 pieces in total. Two anthropologists, Catherine and Ronald Berndt, asked for these works. They wanted to study and record Indigenous art. Later, the Berndts asked for the art to be redone on paper with crayons. This made them easier to transport without damage. Today, many of Wonggu Mununggurr's crayon artworks are kept at the Berndt Museum of Anthropology. This museum is part of the University of Western Australia in Perth.

Caledon Bay Events

The Caledon Bay crisis refers to a series of serious events that happened in the Northern Territory. These events took place in Caledon Bay between 1932 and 1934. Donald Thomson was sent to Arnhem Land to investigate and help calm the situation. He was also asked to form the NTSRU unit. This unit helped protect the area. These events helped create a stronger connection between Aboriginal Australians and the European government. It also led to more opportunities for Aboriginal artists to sell their bark art.

Because of the trouble in Caledon Bay, Wonggu decided to move his family away. They moved to Yirrkala for safety.

Art Collections

Wonggu Mununggurr's art can be found in several important collections:

• Art Gallery of New South Wales
• Berndt Museum of Anthropology, University of Western Australia
• The Donald Thompson Collection, on loan to Museums Victoria from the University of Melbourne

Notable Artworks

Here are some of Wonggu Mununggurr's important artworks:

• Wonggu Mununggurr (with sons, Maama, Mawunpuy and Natjiyalma), "Djapu clan, Dhuwa moiety Djapu minytji (Djapu clan design)," 1942, natural pigments on eucalyptus bark.
• Djapu clan, Dhuwa moiety Sacred and " 'just drawing' minytji (designs)," 1935, natural pigments on eucalyptus bark.
• Djapu clan, Dhuwa moiety " Marawat (brush/'hair of the head'), " 1935, human hair bound on wood with fibre.
• Wonggu Mununggurr, "Fish trap at Wandawuy," 1947, lumber crayon on butchers’ paper.
• Wonggu Mununggurr, "Macassan Prau," 1935–45, natural pigments on bark.
• Wonggu Mununggurr, "Djambuwal (Thunderman) story," 1942, natural pigments on bark.