The Sacred Octopus
WORRARRKI: artist
No image available
The white dots represent the sea octopus, which has its home at the Wessel Islands. The islands are sacred territory of the octopus. People who trespass in the caves or by cutting trees will die. The painting is also the sacred maraiin pattern that is painted on the body of the young men going through the age-grading ceremonies.
Title
The Sacred Octopus
Artist/Maker and role
WORRARRKI: artist
Medium
ochres on wood
Measurements
75.0 x 44.4 cm
Credit line
Purchased through the Western Australian Government, 1988
The State Art Collection, The Art Gallery of Western Australia
Accession number
1988/0553