Neville Dawidi Birritjama Sold at Auction Prices

b. 1921 - d. 1970

Neville Dawidi Birritjama experienced the full force of social change in the Arnhem Land community of Milingimbi during his lifetime. He was a young child when the Methodist Overseas Mission was established on the island in 1923. This was closely followed by the arrival of the first anthropologist to the region, as W Lloyd Warner based himself in Milingimbi between 1926 and 1929 to conduct the field research that led to the publication of A black civilization: a social study of an Australian tribe in 1937.

Like many of his peers based at Milingimbi mission, Dawidi undertook various forms of employment in addition to his art practice, working on the farm and constructing fences around the community, near the bush camp and at the airport. This involvement in working life was an expectation of the mission if any form of assistance was to be provided and was a means of imposing Western practices and ideals. Dawidi balanced this work with his social and cultural obligations.

In 1956 he became the leader of the Liyagalawumirr clan, following the death of his father’s brother, Tjam Yilkari Kitani. This position afforded Dawidi custodianship of the Wa¨gilak sisters ceremonial cycle. Given his relatively young age at the time, Dawidi was initially guided in this role by mentors, including brothers Dja¨wa and Mungunu, also known as Dhawadanygulili, the Djungkayi (ritual manager) for the Wa¨gilak sisters.