Jimmy Mijau Mijau circa 1897-1985

Painted in Western Arnhem Land circa 1958

The Dorothy Bennett Collection

Private Collection, Sydney, acquired from Dorothy Bennett in 1981

Sotheby's, Aboriginal Art, Melbourne, 9 July, 2001, lot 20 (AU648)

Fiona Brockhoff, Melbourne

Small areas of rubbing and pigment loss to multiple areas of the surface, evident in photos remaining areas of pigment seem to be stable. Housed in a Perspex box. No repairs or restorations.
"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. O'Ferrall, M., Keepers of the Secrets, Art Gallery of Western Australia, Perth, 1990, p. 42, nos. 44-5 for two paintings depicting similar figures; Berndt, R. & C., Aboriginal Australian Art: A Visual Perspective, Methuen Australia Pty. Ltd., Sydney, 1982, p.46, pl. 25, for a closely related example, titled 'Dancing Women'.

The label on reverse reads in part: "Mimis (sic) live within the rocks, and are so shy that they hide there all through the day, only emerging at night time to sing and dance, play and make love, hunt and fish.  

At dawn they run back inside the rocks and pull the rock door shut after them. In this painting the artist has depicted three Mimi (sic) women dancing. The design on their bodies is the artist's clan design and similar to his own body painting design in sacred ceremonies."

According to Berndt, this painting does not depict Mimih Spirits. Commenting on the related example, he states: "It depicts four women in the old East Alligator River style. The positioning of their arms, suggest dancing movement. The designs on their bodies could be incipient x-ray relevant to the backbone, but are more likely to be ochre decorations. On some occasions this has been categorised under Mimih art. In this case however it is not." (ibid. Berndt, p.151)