Wanapati Yunupiŋu
Djirrikitj
30 x 36cm Paper: SOMERSET

ID: 439-16

Djirikitj, the quail, is the totem for the Gumatj tribe. There are other people who have the same totem like the Madarrpa tribes.

In the dream times, Djirikitj is a bird that starts fire. It is a fire starter. It is a sacred bird and has sacred ceremonial dances and songs for the Yolngu. They live in pairs – male and female, like married couples. They make nests in the grass and lay their eggs. They are very fast runners. When fire starts Djirikitj are first to get out as they can outrun the flames.

Printed October 2015
FMP 138A