yumutjin-wununmurra
Homeland: Gurrumuru
Clan: Dhalwaŋu – Narrkala
Moiety: Yirritja
Yumutjin holds an important position of ceremonial responsibility in the Dhalwangu clan particularly and the Yirritja moiety generally. His level of knowledge places him in the top rank of lawmen in the region. His roles include presiding over the circumcision of young boys. He moves between Gurrumurru, Gangan, Dhuruputjpi and Gunyungara on ceremonial duties but lives mainly at Gurrumurru with his wife Djandi of the Ngaymil clan who is also an artist. Yumutjin has always practised his art in a precise manner. His emphasis has always been on the spiritual and intellectual rather than the aesthetic. A gentle and softly spoken man, it is not unusual to see him discretely orchestrating the choreography of ceremony, directing groups of dancers with almost imperceptible movements.
He is an important figure in the art centre as a member of the management committee and also within the Yirralka Rangers (a group set up to administer the Laynhapuy Indigenous Protected Area).
He is one whose knowledge extends far beyond what he paints for public consumption.
