Rock Art Research

Vol. 42 No. 1 (2025)
DOI : https://doi.org/10.56801/rar.v42i1.536
Published : Feb 11, 2025

THE MARMIE: RE-ENGAGING WITH A DISTINCTIVE MOTIF IN THE EARLY ROCK ART OF GREATER GARIWERD, AUSTRALIA

R. G. Gunn (1), J. R. Goodes (2), M. Hanson (3), D. Griffin (4), L. C. Douglas (5)

(1) Lake Lonsdale, Victoria, Australia
(2) Parks Victoria, Halls Gap, Australia
(3) Parks Victoria, Halls Gap, Australia
(4) Barengi Gadjin Land Council, Horsham, Australia
(5) Lake Lonsdale, Victoria, Australia
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Abstract

Within the early phases of Gariwerd rock art, a particular motif has, since the earliest studies, caught the attention of rock art researchers. This figure is what we now call, in respect of Aboriginal tradition, the Marmie (father figure). Here, we present a detailed description of the Marmie and its distribution and a case for its high significance to its painters and today’s Traditional Owner groups.