ATTRIBUTED TO BOBBY BARRDJARAY NGAINJMIRRA

The original support sticks at the top and the bottom are no longer attached and there are some fine cracks at the top and the bottom of the bark and some hairline cracks in the surface. There are areas of smuding and pigment loss to some areas of the surface, though the bark is in very good condition for a work of this period and region, with remaining pigments appearing stable.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Cf. For a stylistically comparable rendition of the figures by the artist see Luma-Luma the Giant Ancestral Spirit and two fish, n.d., in the collection of the National Museum of Australia, in Aboriginal Arts Board, Oenpelli Bark Paintings, Ure Smith, Sydney, 1979, p.42, pl.38, illus

Among the Kuninjku and Kunwinjku speaking peoples of western Arnhem Land, yawkyawk is the generic name given to a particular type of female water spirit. The yawkyawk are the daughters of the apical ancestor Yingarna, who also gave birth to Ngalyod the Rainbow Serpent. The yawkyawk escaped the advances of the giant Lumahlumah by jumping into a waterhole and growing fishtails