Rimijbudda is a powerful Wandjina from Wanumbul country. Gordon Barunga says: “He’s from my mother’s side – Wanumbul, Hunter River, on the sea side from Kalumburu. He’s a thief, steals shells and all sorts of things. Rimij means ‘robs’.” Rimijbudda's exploits as a thief are part of his identity: he used to take from the other Wandjinas when they were hunting or fishing. He would then run away with their wives. Jugalimurra (another Wanumbul Wandjina) works for Rimijbudda by the sea. As in nearly all depictions of Wandjinas, Jagulimarra and Rimijbudda lack mouths. Pudja (Gordon's mother) explains that when the Wandjinas send rain, they make the sound of thunder through their nostrils, but they lack mouths so that it won’t rain too hard.
Acrylic Painting
80cm x 60cm x 2cm