Warramirri

The Universe of the Warramirri is not just another book about Aboriginal art: it has a much deeper intent. It is the direct outcome of a decision by the Warramirri elders to invite Dr John Cawte to record their world view for the benefit of outsiders, in itself a dramatic and radical reversal of traditional taboos and secrecy that commonly enshroud the 'inside stories' of tribal art.

How did it happen? The instigators of the book were the Warramirri themselves who now live on Elcho Island, a dot in the Arafura Sea, some 500 kilometres east of Darwin.

Dr Cawte regularly visited Elcho Island in the 70s and 80s to offer both medical and psychiatric help. Slowly, gradually he was accepted as a friend and inducted into the Warramirri clan. Fearing their unwritten knowledge would die out, the Warramirri elders (led by Burrumarra) invited Dr Cawte to record their secrets to avoid the fate of other clans whose cultures were disappearing through lack of interest and the intrusion of whites.

This book and the collection of art works now housed in the University of New South Wales provide an understanding of the inner message, a decoding for those hoping to attune to the Warramirri mind.