18 AM 1552/04
Bill Harney Bumulnurra (Paperbark Coffins) Dreaming 2004
Acrylic & natural ochres on Galacia linen 1270 x 1160mm SOLD
The Grasshopper Lidi made the straw, bound it up and he went up and got ulbun (paperbark), brought it back and
sang it. Put all the spiritual songs in the bark - made it round. Then when Old Rainbow (the Rainbow Serpent) died
he was the first one buried in paperbark coffin. They took him down and store it in the rock shelter where the
paintings are. All the grasshopper held a big ceremony. After they gone back they looked in the night. They saw
all the eyes sparkling and glowing. Everyone recognise that it's a burial place and it's Bumulnurra Dreaming place.
This painting depicts 6 rainbows. The little wigs are called bulbul - holds the spirits strong. He wears the bulbul and
hypnotises you - puts you to sleep. When you go sound asleep Marribena come sit on your head - tells you story
in your dream. Bill painted this piece during his residency at Art Mob in January 2004.