Memorial Poles

Known throughout Arnhem Land as either ‘lorrkon’ or ‘larrkitj’, today they are referred to more generically as memorial poles. The above image shows the permanent display of the collection of the National Gallery of Australia.

These poles, or hollow log coffins were central to the funerary process throughout the top end of the Northern Territory. Funerary rites and ceremonies could occur over extended periods, sometimes up to several years. The final ceremony involved inserting the ochred bones of the deceased into these logs and then placing them into the ground where it was left to decay naturally.

The logs are hollowed out naturally by termites who favour eucalyptus trees, generally either Eucalyptus Miniata or Eucalyptus Tetradonta. The trees are harvested and then decorated with the motifs, clan designs, moieties and totems of the deceased. These designs would identify the person.

This ceremony or ‘Mardayin’ is secret in nature and the information is restricted and not for public knowledge.

Lorrkons/Larrkitj are rarely used today for their original purpose. The practice of making and painting them continues however in a limited capacity as the Yolngu (Aboriginal people) continue to maintain tradition and culture.

These poles are today widely collected for their aesthetic and are included in almost all important institutions in Australia including the National Gallery, The Art Gallery of NSW, The Museum and Art Gallery of the Northern Territory and the National Gallery of Victoria.

Mitchell Fine Art has a limited number of poles now available. For more information please call (07) 3254 2297 or email the gallery on [email protected]