Ḻarrakitj, also known as memorial poles, have a rich cultural significance among the Yolŋu people. Traditionally, these poles held the remains of the deceased and played a vital role in funeral rituals. Today, the Yolŋu people preserve their cultural heritage by creating Ḻarrakitj without human remains. These painted or carved hollow stringy-bark branches serve as artistic expressions, portraying the ancestral beliefs and geological origins of various clans. Through intricate geometric and evolving organic designs, these poles convey the essence of their communal system, keeping their traditions alive.
Mapuŋu Ŋurruwuthun /125cm x 11.5cm/Ḻarrakitj