Mildred Minggi Mungulu

The Wandjina spirits are highly respected by the people of Mowanjum. The Wandjinas brought the law, culture and language. The
people of Mowanjum believe that the first Wandjina was called Idjair. Idjair lives in the Milky Way and is the father of all Wandjinas. The Wandjina Wallungunder was Idjair’s first son; he created the Earth and all life upon it.
The three Wandjinas which represent the three language groups of Mowanjum are Namarali for the Worora people, Wodjin or
Wanalirri for the Ngarinyin people, and Rimijmarra for the Wunambul people. Each family group at Mowanjum has a Wandjina which guides them through their lives. The Wandjinas are most active as cloud spirits during the monsoon period, bringing rain to the entire Kimberley region.
The Wandjina’s facial characteristics can represent many climatic features. The eyes of the Wandjina can represent thunderstorms and even. The line between the eyes resembles a nose, but it is actually a power line which is used to transfer energy. Small brush marks on the Wandjinas body usually represent rain drops. Wandjinas can be represented with either four or five fingers. When depicted with only head and shoulders the Wandjina is said to be floating in space or in the form of a cloud or storm. A full-bodied Wandjina is said to be walking the Earth. The rounded feature in the upper chest area can represent the heart of the Wandjina or a large pearl shell that was worn by tribal leaders.