This piece was carved by Harold Goodman and painted by Irene Henry. Irene and Harold are partners that live at the Kakadu Outstation of Kapalga. Irene’s family are from Tiwi islands, which are represented through her artistic narrative of painting.

As told by Irene Henry:

“My cousin brother used to make bird’s, Roy’s dad used to make the Jabiru bird. Then Harold got the idea of doing birds. The birds plays an important role in Tiwi ceremony… Harold has to look at the tree first to see if it’s strong enough [for carving], you can tell when that stringy bark peels off, then you can see if it’s right to cut it and do carving."

Text courtesy of Marrawuddi Arts and Culture.