David Milaybuma

David Milaybuma: born circa 1938, died 1983

Language Group: Kuninjku (Gunwinggu)

This collection includes a pair of bark paintings by Milaybuma. They represent Numunwari (Saltwater Crocodile) and Gazawun (Goanna).

Painted at Marriloldban, August 1982

Certificate signed by Simon Kyle Little

Maningrida Arts & Crafts

Certificate: Milaybuma-Saltwater Crocodile

Certificate: Milaybuma-Goanna

David Milaybuma and Mick Kubarkku were the first regular painters at Maningrida.

“Namanjwarre” created a number of sacred sites along the Liverpool and Mann rivers which run close to the home of the artist at Gubumi outstation.” National Museum Australia

At least one of Milaybuma’s crocodiles has been described as living “in a lagoon on the land side of a mountain range south of Maningrida. (The crocodile) decided to go to the sea, so he chewed his way through the ranges to the sea, and created the Liverpool River.” National Museum Australia.

*A bark painting by Milaybuma was on Australia’s 27c stamp labeled “Aboriginal Culture Music and Dance”

Postage Stamp and newspaper article (I have) tells how he paints.