Artwork 12 - Robert Lee
Take the responsibility and share parts of your country and our living cultures in a good way with fellow Australians and the rest of the world.
Robert Lee, 2003
The Rainbow Serpent is the symbol of Jawoyn and Nitmiluk National Park. It was selected by the Lee family as it portrays the spiritual connection of the late Robert Lee to his land. The image depicts Bolung, the Rainbow Serpent; Nitnit, the cicada; fresh mussels, fish and rocks. Featured wearing a ceremonial headdress, Bolung is associated with the wet season and waterholes. He is not only an important life-giving figure, but may also act as a destroyer. Bolung lives in the deep pools of the second gorge. When fishing, the Jawoyn take only a small portion of their catch and throw the rest back to appease Bolung.
The artist was Alice Mitchell Marrakorlorlo, a traditional owner of Nitmiluk.
Robert Lee at Reconciliation Place
Source
Lee, Robert. 'For our children's children: Nitmiluk and economic independence', from a speech given at the Indigenous Economic Development Conference, Alice Springs (NT),
6-7 March 2003. www.indigenousforums.nt.gov.au/dcm/indigenous policy/forums