This lorrkon (Larrakitj) was painted by Balang (Mick) Kubarkku (sometimes spelled Gubargu or Ubargu) at Gubumi on the Mann, Western Arnhem Land in December 1983.
Lived circa 1922-2008 (Born at Kukabarnka)
Language group: Kunwinjku (Gunwinggu or Gunwinjgu)
Certificate bearing artist’s name and language group signed by Simon Kyle Little, Maningrida Arts & Crafts.
“Lorrikun…Hollow Log. An important part of the culture of the Arnhem Land Aborigines is the Lorrikun or Final Rites Ceremony. Bones of the deceased are dug from their shallow grave upon approval from close relatives. The ceremony commences. Painted in red ochre, then crushed they are placed in the hollow log. The deceased primary totems are painted on the outside and the log is placed in its final resting site.
Hollow logs are usually 6-8 feet in height however smaller versions are also made and these are usually placed inside the homes of the relatives.” -Simon Kyle-Little
This Kubarkku Lorrkon: 25″ tall, 23″ circumference
Kubarkku was the cultural custodian (djungkay) of specific totemic animals and spirit beings. This lorrkon includes two images of freshwater turtles and one of Namarrkon, the Lightning Spirit. Namarrkon causes the lightning and thunder that accompany tropical storms that occur in his homeland between October and December, before the start of tropical monsoon season each summer. The body form of Namarrkon is said to represent ngaldjurr the Leichhardt’s Grasshopper (Petasida ephippigera), which is active and most visible during this time of year.
Dupon (Hollow Log) Ceremony: http://www.aaia.com.au/story4.html
Maningrida website: A lorrkon is made from a suitable trunk of a termite-hollowed stringybark tree (Eucalyptus tetradonta). (Description of ceremony.)
Australian Aboriginal Art 