Mathaman Marika

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Mathaman Marika
Bornc.1920
Died1970
NationalityAustralian
Relatives
Roy Dadaynga Marika
, Dhunggala Marika (brothers)

Mathaman Marika (c.1920–1970) was an

Roy Dadaynga Marika,[1] and Dhunggala Marika.[2] Mathaman was second oldest after Mawalan.[1]

Mathaman and his four brothers led the other clans in presenting the Yirrkala bark petitions to the Australian Government in 1963, in the lead-up to the Gove land rights case,[3][2] and Mathaman continued the struggle for land rights after the death of his elder brother Mawalan 1 in 1967.[1]

The remaining Marika brothers were involved in the 1971 Milirrpum v Nabalco Pty Ltd (named after Mathaman's brother Milirrpum, also known as the Gove land rights case). All five were politically active for the rights of the Indigenous Australians, and four were also well-known Aboriginal artists.[1]

Mathaman Marika held an important place in

ceremonial life and produced most of his artwork from the late 1950s until his death. An art dealer in Melbourne, Jim Davidson, was a friend and became his agent in the 1960s.[1]

His painting themes included the

Wagilag sisters. (Special rights were obtained for the latter by his grandfather in the 20th century, and have been passed down since.)[1]

References

  1. ^
    Mawalan 2 Marika
    (born 1957), Jimmy Barrmula Yunupingu (born 1963) (son of Dhuwarrwarr Marika).
  2. ^ a b "Leaders in law, business and community". Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations. Retrieved 28 July 2021. ...five Rirratjingu brothers took action. Mawalan Marika, Mathaman Marika, Milirrpum Marika, Dhunggala Marika and Roy Dadaynga Marika led the 13 Yirrkala clans to create the Yirrkala bark petitions.
  3. ^ "Our Campaign". Rirratjingu Aboriginal Corporation. 2020. Retrieved 28 July 2021.