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Oceanian
Ceremonial Artifacts ➔ Hollow Log Coffin, Turtle And Fish Designs (dupun)
Identifier:
196664Description:
Hollow log decorated with paintings of lizards, frogs, and other animals in black, red, white, and yellow. Two large wood prongs jut from opposite sides of one edge; each is painted white, with a black tip. See Art of the First Australians, p. 79. #113.;This is a bone coffin, which were used by aboriginal peoples of Arnhem Land (Northern Territory, Australia) in ritual burial of their dead. It is extremely unlikely that this object was ever used; it seems to have been created for its artistic value only. Identified by Carol S. Ivory, Ph.D., Associate Professor Department of Fine Arts, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164-7450, tel: 509.335.7043.;One tradition of aboriginal people of Arnhem Land is that of the Bone Coffin or Hollow Log ritual. After a person dies, the body is sung over, decorated, and buried. Some time later, a second burial takes place, whereby the body is exhumed, the bones painted red, and placed in a hollow log painted with clan markings, etceteras. After a series of songs and dances, the log is then left to the elements. The ceremony represents the transition of the soul from this life to the afterlife.Date:
1980Materials:
Painted, WoodDimensions:
69.75" hCurrent Location Status:
In StorageCollection Tier:
Tier 2Source:
Gift Of The Australian PeopleExhibit/Program:
Mysterious Voyages (February – May 2002)Related Entities:
Wunuwun, Djinang Group Dua Moiety Of Maningrida (creator) The Australian People (donor)Related Places:
Northern TerritoryArnhem's Land
Australia