Yirawala Artworks
Understanding Yirawala Artwork Sale Prices: What Sellers Really Receive at Auction
When reviewing Aboriginal art auction results—particularly for Yirawala artworks—it’s important to distinguish between headline sale prices and the net amount received by the seller. Publicly reported results often reflect the total amount paid by the buyer, which can be significantly higher than what the original consignor actually receives after all commissions and fees are deducted.
Buyer’s Premium vs. Hammer Price
Let’s consider a typical example. A Yirawala bark painting might be listed as sold for $5,000 at auction. However, this figure includes the buyer’s premium—an additional fee (often 25–30%) paid directly to the auction house. In this case, the hammer price—the actual bid called by the auctioneer—might have been closer to $3,500.
Seller’s Commission and Net Proceeds
From that $3,500 hammer price, the auction house then deducts a seller’s commission, commonly around 20%, sometimes more. That means the final amount received by the seller—the net proceeds—would be approximately $2,800.
This gap between public results and private earnings is crucial for anyone considering selling a Yirawala bark painting or other Aboriginal artworks at auction.
Why This Matters to Sellers of Yirawala Artworks
When assessing the potential value of your artwork—whether it’s a Mimih spirit painting, a depiction of Namarrkon, or a classic Dreaming composition by Yirawala—it’s essential to focus on what you, the seller, are likely to receive, not just the published auction result.
The net sale price reflects the real-world return and should guide your expectations for similar Yirawala artworks on the open market.
Mardayin Figures c. 1968
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark.
77.5 x 34 cm
Hammer Price: A$5,000
Net to Seller:A$4000
Untitled c. 1970
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark.
110 x 54 cm
Hammer Price: A$12,000
Net to Seller: A$9,600
Stingray 1965
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name title and biographical information on the reverse,
56 x 39 cm
Hammer Price: A$5,000
Net to Seller:A$4,000
Three Mimih Spirits c. 1958
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark.
87.5 x 59.5 cm
Hammer Price: A$46,000
Net to Seller: A$36,800
Mimi Figures and Kangaroos Western Arnhem Land, circa 1960
Natural earth pigments on bark,
100 x 42 cm
Hammer Price: A$5,500
Net to Seller: A$4,400
Lumahlumah and Mimih c. 1964
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name ‘Yirrwala’ (sic) and catalogue number ‘Y54’ on the reverse.
95 x 33 cm
Hammer Price: A$12,000
Net to Seller:A$9,600
Ghosts of Dead Mimis (1960)
Natural earth pigment on eucalyptus bark,
40 x 20.7 cm
UNSOLD
Turtle c. 1965
Natural earth pigments on bark,
69 x 40 cm
Hammer Price: A$4,000
Net to Seller:A$3200
Luma Luma and Wind Mimi 1971
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, the title, together with a description of the story on label on the reverse.
70 x 30.5 cm
Hammer Price: A$30,000
Net to Seller:A$24,000
Earth Spirit And Mimi 1973
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name together with title, a description of the story and dated on a label on the reverse
58.5 x 19 cm
Hammer Price: A$12000
Net to Seller:A$9600
Kundaagi – Red Plains Kangaroo 1962
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears distressed label on verso.
101 x 45 cm
Hammer Price: A$54,000
Net to Seller:A$43,200
Dancing Mimih Figures, 1960s
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears old label verso with artist’s name, language group – Gunwingu moiety – Dua, location and a description of the story depicted,
42 x 23.5 cm
Hammer Price: A$4,500
Net to Seller:$3600
Crocodile (Golomomo)
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, title, dimensions and catalogue number 357-6839 on Gallery of Dreams label on the reverse of the frame.
98 x 32 cm
Hammer Price: A$28,000
Net to Seller:A$22,400
Lumahlumah the Big Maraian Cult Hero
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, moiety, region and descriptive notes on label on the reverse
60 x 28.5 cm
Hammer Price: A$11000
Net to Seller:A$8,800
Barramundi – Mardayin Ceremony
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, title, dimensions on the reverse of the frame.
82 x 37 cm
Hammer Price: A$4000
Net to Seller:A$3,200
Untitled (Mimih Ceremony) c. 1965
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears signed distressed label on the reverse.
53 x 23 cm
Hammer Price: A$4,500
Net to Seller: A$3600
Untitled
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name and catalogue number 38 on the reverse.
51.5 x 26.5 cm
Hammer Price: A$28,000
Net to Seller:A$22,400
Creation of the Mimis (1960)
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark,
87 x 35.7 cmm
UNSOLD
Unititled (Lorrkon Ceremony – Dance of Skeletons)
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name and size on reverse.
78 x 37 cm
Hammer Price: A$11,000
Net to Seller: A$8800
Barramundi, c.1968
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark.
32 x 92 cm
Hammer Price: A$26,000
Net to Seller:A$20,800
Mimihs
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark.
86 x 43 cm
Hammer Price: $10,500
Net to Seller:A$8,400
Untitled (Mimih Spirit), C.1970
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark,
71 x 31 cm
Hammer Price: A$4,000
Net to Seller:A$3,200
Male and Female Kangaroos c.1965
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark.
77 x 44.5 cm
Hammer Price: A$26,000
Net to Seller:A$20,800
Fish, c. 1971
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark,
55 x 110 cm
Hammer Price: A$11,000
Net to Seller:A$8,800
The Mimi People Defending Their Caves 1958
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears handwritten notes identifying the artist, date and title on label on the reverse.
53 x 17 cm
Hammer Price: A$26,000
Net to Seller:A$20,800
‘Na-Wor Mimi’ (Moon Man)
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears inscription moiety – Yirritja, tribe – Gunwinngu’ on the reverse,
70 x 45 cm
Hammer Price: A$10,000
Net to Seller:A$8,000
Baramundi, c. 1970s
Natural earth pigments on bark,
34 x 73 cm
Hammer Price: A$3,600
Net to Seller: A$2,880
Mimih Mourning 1958
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artists name, language group and descriptive notes on label on the reverse,
52.5 x 26 cm
UNSOLD
Untited (Lumaluma the Giant Ogre), C.1970
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark,
91 x 38 cm
Hammer Price: A$10,000
Net to Seller:A$8000
Barramundi 1959
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, title ‘Barra’ in chalk together with Spence Museum catalogue number 102. on the reverse,
37 x 69 cm
Hammer Price: A$3,400
Net to Seller: A$2,720
Sacred Kangaroo (Kundaagi) and Northern Bandicoot, Late 1960s
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears inscription verso cat. U/500 and old descriptive label.
87 x 48 cm
Hammer Price: A$23,000
Net to Seller: A$18,400
Lumahlumah, Possum and Bandicoot 1969
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark.
58.5 x 30.5 cm
Hammer Price: A$10,500
Net to Seller: A$8,400
Barramundi, c.1964
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, label attached verso: ‘Barramundi / Artist: Yirawala’,
31.5 x 88 cm
Hammer Price: A$3,000
Net to Seller:A$2400
Sacred Bird c. 1965
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark
128cm X 53cm
Hammer Price: A$23,000
Net to Seller: A$18,400
Geechnoch Magician / Lazy Man c. 1962
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name language group, Gunwinggu.
42 x 22 cm
Hammer Price: A$10000
Net to Seller: $8,000
Maraian Body Design 1962
Earth pigments on bark,
44 x 30 cm
Hammer Price: A$3000
Net to Seller:: A$2400
Nawarran (The Rainbow Serpent) 1962
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name and title, Fertility Rainbow Serpent, in pencil on the reverse.
41 x 95 cm
Hammer Price: A$22,000
Net to Seller: A$17,600
Copulating Mimihs (Mimih Increase Ritual) c. 1962
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, title and date of execution (1962) in ink, together with title, language group (Kunwinjku), moiety (Dua)
46 x 18 cm
Hammer Price: A$10,000
Net to Seller:A$8,000
Sacred Bird
Earth pigments on bark,
50 x 23 cm
Hammer Price: A$2,700
Net to Seller:A$2,160
Maralaitj – the Mother of the North
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears distressed label on verso, 101 x 50 cm
UNSOLD
Lumaluma, C.1970
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark.
64 x 33 cm
Hammer Price: A$21,000
Net to Seller:A$16,800
Sawfish – Mardayan Ceremony; Dancing Mimihs; Sacred Ubar Cermony – Kangaroo Dance
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, all bear artist’s name and title on the reverse,
38 x 9.5 cm, 28.5 x 18.5 cm, 40.5 x 20.5
Hammer Price: A$10000
Net to Seller:A$8,000
Untitled (Spirit Figure) c. 1965
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark,
75 x 31 cm
Hammer Price: A$2,600
Net to Seller:A$2,080
Kunapipi (Sacred & Secret) (Circa 1965)
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark.
82 x 55.5 cm
Hammer Price: A$19,000
Net to Seller: A$15,200
Waterholes
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears size on the reverse,
82.5 x 27 cm
Hammer Price: A$10,000
Net to Seller:A$8,000
Fresh Water Mullet c. 1965
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears signed artist’s name ‘Yirrwala’ (sic) and title on the reverse,
25 x 69.5 cm
Hammer Price: A$2000
Net to Seller:A$1,600
Untitled (Mimih Hunting Story), C.1970
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark.
57 x 34 cm
Hammer Price: A$19,000
Net to Seller:A$15,200
Golomomo (Crocodile), C.1970
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark.
84 x 34.5 cm
Hammer Price: A$9,500
Net to Seller:A$7,600
Lorrkon Ceremony Kangaroo c. 1960s
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears label with artist’s name ‘Yiwala’ (sic) location ‘Liverpool River, Arnhem Land’ on the reverse,
79 x 33.5 cmm
Hammer Price: A$1500
Net to Seller:A$1,200
Kundaagi – The Red Plains Kangaroo 1963; Skeletal Remains of Kundaagi 1964
Both natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, both bears artist’s name, date and various titles and numbers on the reverse,
55 x 23 cm & 53 x 26 cm
Hammer Price: A$19,000
Net to Seller:A$15,200
Lumahlumah’s Daughters c. 1970
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, and language group on descriptive label on the reverse,
54.5 x 25 cm
Hammer Price: A$9,500
Net to Seller:A$15,600
Maraian Secret Ceremony c. 1965
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears signed artist’s name, language group, moiety, title and descriptive notes on label on the reverse,
61.5 x 30 cm
Hammer Price: A$1200
Net to Seller:A$960
Lumahlumah (Circa 1970)
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist name and title verso,
63 x 31 cm
Hammer Price: A$18,000
Net to Seller:A$14,400
Untitled (Barra, Lightning and Thunder Man), 1968
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark.
85 x 30 cm
Hammer Price: A$9,000
Net to Seller:A$7200
Untitled Lorrkon Ceremony 1965
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name and catalogue number 9 on the reverse,
80 x 37 cm
UNSOLD
Rainbow Serpent with Eggs
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark,
81.5 x 26 cmm
UNSOLD
Yawkyawk (Water Spirits) (1960)
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark
89 x 39 cm
Hammer Price: A$18,000
Net to Seller:A$14,400
Spearing Lumah Lumhah, c1967
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, inscribed verso artist’s name and title
67 x 30 cm
Hammer Price: A$9,000
Net to Seller:A$7,200
Water Woman 1960
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark,
80 x 34 cm
UNDSOLD
Wubarr Ceremony
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark
78.5 x 26.5 cm
Hammer Price: A$18,000
Net to Seller:A$14,400
Body Design [Sacred Mardayin Ceremony], C.1962
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, inscribed verso with artist’s name and title.
57 x 24 cm
Hammer Price: A$8,500
Net to Seller:A$6,800
Dreaming Paths in Kunwinjku Country (1969)
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark,
49 x 29 cm
UNSOLD
Last Flight of Luma Luma
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark
Size not recorded so image may not be to scale.
Hammer Price: A$18,000
Net to Seller:A$14,400
Lumah Lumah’s Daughters, 1963
Natural earth pigments on bark,
55.5 x 30 cm
Hammer Price: A$9,000
Net to Seller:A$7,200
Kangaroo (Ubar Ceremony), c.1964
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, inscribed verso: ‘Yarawala [sic] / Oenpelli / Jiritja moiety’; partially obscured label attached verso: ‘artist Yirrawala [sic] / Country Oenpelli / Ubar ceremony / Arnhem Land’,
138.5 x 51 cm
Hammer Price: A$17,000
Net to Seller:A$13,600
Untitled (Kangaroos)
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, date on the reverse as well as artist’s name, date, dimensions and provenance on a label attached on the reverse,
60 x 40cm
UNSOLD
Ubar Ceremony 1966
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, title, date and a description of the story on label on the reverse,
35.5 x 21 cm
Hammer Price: A$9,000
Net to Seller:A$7,200
Kunapipi (Sacred and Secret)
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, catalogue numbers Y/4 and 8 on the reverse together with Gould Collection documentation attached to the reverse,
82 x 55.5 cm
UNSOLD
Maraian Source of Life for Man and Nature c. 1968
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, language group (Kunwinjku), moiety (Dua) and title (Sacred Maraian Ranga),’A Spirit dances by the sacred well where life-giving emblems are kept’,
66 x 44 cm
UNSOLD
Barramundi, c.1960
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears inscription verso: artist’s name and title
34 x 84 cm
Hammer Price: A$8,000
Net to Seller:A$6,400
Sacred Black Kangaroo
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, title, number 52 and has a descriptive label on the reverse
61 x 50 cm
Hammer Price: A$17,000
Net to Seller:A$13,600
Mimihs-Making Increase Magic
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, title and catalogue number 23, on the reverse,
40.5 x 26 cm
UNSOLD
Untitled (Skeleton and Rainbow Serpent)
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark,
111 x 20 cm
Hammer Price: A$8,000
Net to Seller:A$6,400
10 Mimihs 1959
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name ‘Yirawala’ and title ’10 Mimis’ in chalk together with Spence Museum catalogue number 14 in black marker on the reverse.
73 x 48 cm
Hammer Price: A$17,000
Net to Seller: A$13,600
Mardayin Wallaby c. 1970
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark,
76.5 x 32 cm
UNSOLD
Female Black Kangaroo
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, title and descriptive notes on the reverse,
89 x 31 cm
UNSOLD
Grey Rock Wallaby – Mardayin Ceremony
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark.
109.5 x 47 cm
Hammer Price: A$16,000
Net to Seller:A$12,800
Untitled – Mardayin Design c. 1970
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark,
51 x 23.5 cm
UNSOLD
Mimihs c. 1960
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name and title (Mimi) on the reverse,
99 x 31 cm
UNSOLD
Three Mimih Spirits
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, date 1962, size and numbered 22 on the reverse,
40 x 22.5 cm
UNSOLD
Grey Rock Wallaby – Mardayin Ceremony
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark,
109.5 x 47 cm
Hammer Price: A$16,200
Net to Seller:A$12,960
Untitled, 1960s
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark,
68.5 x 22.5 cm
Hammer Price: A$5,500
Net to Seller: A$4,400
The Dreamtime Spirit Nammoran
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears catalogue numbers C8/CAT.88 and fragments of a distressed descriptive label on the reverse,
78.5 x 31 cm
UNSOLD
Bush Turkey and Snake
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name and size on the reverse,
70 x 29.5 cm
Hammer Price: A$7500
Net to Seller: A$6,000
Mimih Figure 1965
Natural eatrh pigments on eucalyptus bark.
101.5 x 24.5 cm
Hammer Price: A$16,000
Net to Seller: A$12,800
Mumuna of the Kunapipi Ceremony c. 1965
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears signed title and distressed label on the reverse,
72.5 x 25 cm
UNSOLD
Untitled (Mimih Spirits) (circa 1970)
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark.
49 x 21 cm
Hammer Price: A$7000
Net to Seller: A$5,600
Maralaitj 1964
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name language group, Gunwinggu, title and catalogue number 20 on the reverse.
80.5 x 24 cm
Hammer Price: A$16,000
Net to Seller: A$12,800
Mimihs Love Making – Wubarr Ceremony (1960)
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark.
40 x 19 cm
Hammer Price: A$5000
Net to Seller: A$4,000
Kundaaki the Red Plains Kangaroo 1975
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark,
103 x 47 cm
Hammer Price: A$7,000
Net to Seller: A$5,600
Maraian Messengers (Spirit Figures) c. 1969
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark,
76 x 34.5 cm
UNSOLD
Untitled (Female Figure) (c.1965)
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark.
74 x 51 cm
Hammer Price: A$15,000
Net to Seller: A$12,000
Two Mimih Figures c. 1964
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark,
40.5 x 17.5 cm
Hammer Price: A$6,500
Net to Seller: A$5,200
Mullet
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name and title, in pencil, on the reverse,
72.5 x 35 cm
UNSOLD
Frog and Turtle
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark
No size recorded image may not be to scale
Hammer Price: A$15,000
Net to Seller: A$12,000
Mother of Kundakidj (Red Plains Kangaroo)
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, inscribed ‘Kundargi- Maraian’ on the reverse,
57.8 x 34.2 cm
Hammer price A$7200
Net to Seller: A$6,240
Namarrgine (The Magician) 1964
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, title, date, language group and moiety together with a description of the story depicted on the label on the reverse,
65.5 x 35 cm
UNSOLD
Bewbew the Giant
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears Sandra Le Brun Holmes label and signed by Spike Milligan on the reverse.
76.2 x 27.9 cm
Hammer Price: A$15,000
Net to Seller: A$12,000
Untitled (Sacred Bird) c. 1965
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark
Size not indicated so image may not be to scale
Hammer Price: A$6,500
Net to Seller: A$5,200
Mimihs
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, size and number 35 on the reverse,
39.5 x 14.4 cm
UNSOLD
Kundaagi and Mimi, c. 1970
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark
Size unknown Image may not be to scale
Hammer Price: A$15,000
Net to Seller: A$12,000
Untitled (Mardayin Ceremony) (Circa 1963)
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark,
44 x 30.5 cm
Hammer Price: A$6000
Net to Seller: A$4800
Mother of Kundaargi the Red Plains Kangaroo (Maraian Ceremonial Series, Lorrgon Ceremony) 1971
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, date and a description of the story on a label on reverse,
118 x 59 cm
Hammer Price: A$18,000
Net to Seller:A$14,400
Creator Beings 1968
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, moeity (Dhuwa), clan (Barra) and a description of the story on a label on reverse,
74.5 x 34 cm
Hammer Price: A$15,000
Net to Seller: A$12,000
Barramundi
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark.
40 x 83 cm
Hammer Price: A$6000
Net to Seller: A$4,800
Dancing Mimihs and Mosquito People
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, dated 1971 and numbered 26 on the reverse,
34.7 x 18 cm
UNSOLD
Untitled (Echidna and Lizard), C.1970
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark.
81.5 x 35 cm
Hammer Price: A$14000
Net to Seller: A$11,200
Kangaroo Increase Sacred Ubar Ceremony c. 1960
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark.
19 x 49.5 cm
Hammer Price: A$6000
Net to Seller: A$4,800
Mardayin – String Dance
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, title and numbered ’33’ on the reverse,
49.5 x 22 cm
UNSOLD
Sacred Body Designs c. 1972
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark.
73.5 x 14 cm
Hammer Price: A$14000
Net to Seller: A$11,200
Mimih’s Mortuary Dance, c. 1970
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark,
25.5 x 27.5 cm
Hammer Price: A$5,500
Net to Seller: A$4400
The Wind Mimihs
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, title and notes on label on the reverse,
52 x 28.5 cm
UNSOLD
Ullungula (Small Rare Marsupial) 1973
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, tribe, title, date and a description of the story on a label on the reverse
Size not recorded. Image may not be to scale
Hammer Price: A$14,000
Net to Seller: A$11,200
Mimih and Kangaroo Increase
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name, date, catalogue number 31, together with descriptive notes on label attached to the reverse,
52.5 x 26.5 cm
UNSOLD
Fire Stick Ceremony
White pipeclay and ochre on bark.
34 x 24.5 cm
Hammer Price: A$13,000
Net to Seller: A$10,400
Bush Turkey c. 1959
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark,
84 x 53 cm
Hammer Price: A$5500
Net to Seller: A$4,400
Maralaitj-Woman Is Born, c1967
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark,
69 x 30 cm
Hammer Price: A$13,000
Net to Seller: A$10,400
Mimih Ceremony
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name and catalogue number 25 on the reverse,
47 x 29.5 cm
UNSOLD
Mimi Rain Ceremony 1968
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name and a description of the story on reverse,
68 x 20 cm
Hammer Price: A$13,000
Net to Seller: A$10,400
Ngirr Ngirr (The Cicada’s First Song), c. 1969
Synthetic polymer paint on canvas, bears artist’s name and title on the reverse,
63 x 34 cm
Hammer Price: A$5,500
Net to Seller: A$4,400
Maraian Crocodile
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark,
87 x 32 cm
UNSOLD
Maraian Ceremony
White pipeclay and ochre on bark.
50 x 27.5 cm
Hammer Price: A$12,000
Net to Seller: A$9,600
Emu, c.1968
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears inscription verso: artist’s name, title, location and language group
32 x 73 cm
Hammer Price: A$5000
Net to Seller: A$4,000
Walking Rangga
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, bears artist’s name and various inscriptions on the reverse,
71 x 19cm
UNSOLD
Nowyran
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark.
61 x 31 cm
Hammer Price: A$5,100
Net to Seller: A$4,080
Two Mimih Spirits (1967)
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark,
41 x 14 cm
Hammer Price: A$5000
Net to Seller: A$4,000
Ubar Ceremony, 1958
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark,
76 x 34.5 cm
UNSOLD
Mimihs
Natural earth pigments on eucalyptus bark, on the reverse of the bark there is an original certificate, No. BP/12, with explanatory notes,
65 x 22.5 cm
UNSOLD
Yirawala Artworks and Their Market Value
Understanding What Determines the Worth of a Master Bark Painting
Yirawala artworks hold a singular place in the canon of Aboriginal bark painting. As one of the most respected ceremonial leaders and artistic innovators of Western Arnhem Land, Yirawala’s work is revered not only for its visual power but also for its deep cultural authority. Whether acquired for private enjoyment, institutional collection, or investment, understanding the value of a Yirawala bark painting requires an appreciation of the complex interplay between aesthetic quality, provenance, and cultural significance.
Below, we explore the principal factors that influence the market value of Yirawala artworks in today’s art world:
1. Size and Visual Impact
As a general rule, larger Yirawala artwork bark paintings command higher prices. The scale of the work directly affects both its presence in a collection and its appeal in exhibition settings. When comparing works from the same period and condition, size can substantially influence final sale results.
2. Period and Artistic Maturity
Yirawala’s stylistic development evolved across distinct periods. Early works—particularly those created before his return to Goulburn Island in the 1960s—are typically more sought after. Collectors often favour barks painted in the so-called “Crocker Island style,” which reflect a delicate balance of ceremonial rigor and visual poetry.
3. Subject Matter and Cultural Depth
Yirawala artworks depicting ancestral beings, creation narratives, or powerful spirit figures—such as the Mimih spirits, Namarrkon (Lightning Man), or Djambuwal the Thunderman—are generally more prized than fauna studies or decorative motifs. The spiritual and narrative depth of a bark painting often correlates with both scholarly and market interest.
4. Condition and Preservation
Like all bark paintings, the state of preservation is a key determinant of value. Flat, well-preserved surfaces with intact ochres are more desirable than works with curling edges, pigment loss, or prior restoration. While conservation is possible, untouched, original condition is ideal for collectors and museums alike.
5. Dreaming (Songline) Association
Bark paintings that reference well-known Dreaming stories—particularly those from Yirawala’s Murrungun clan traditions—carry additional significance. Such works are not merely decorative; they are visual expressions of law, identity, and place. When documented, these connections elevate a painting’s cultural weight and commercial appeal.
6. Artistic Composition and Design Sophistication
Collectors and curators often speak of “presence” in a bark painting—Yirawala’s finest works display a clarity of form, assured linework, and elegant use of negative space. Symmetry, rhythm, and detail all contribute to the compositional power of his paintings and, by extension, to their market desirability.
7. Provenance and Collection History
The provenance of Yirawala artworks plays a crucial role in value assessment. Works collected by early missionaries, anthropologists, or held in important private or institutional collections tend to realise higher prices. Certificates, archival photographs, and historical exhibition records significantly enhance an artwork’s pedigree.
8. Year of Sale and Market Trends
Market interest in Aboriginal bark painting, and Yirawala in particular, has grown steadily over the past two decades. That said, prices fluctuate. A bark painting sold ten years ago might now achieve several times its original hammer price—or less—depending on current demand and availability.
9. Institutional Acquisition
When a public gallery or museum acquires a Yirawala artwork, it often does so at a premium. Institutional validation can not only influence the immediate sale price but can also elevate the value of comparable works on the private market.
10. Timing and Buyer Demand
The auction market relies on competition. Even a masterpiece may underperform on a quiet sale day. Conversely, when multiple passionate collectors pursue the same Yirawala artwork, prices can escalate dramatically. Timing, presentation, and exposure all play into a successful result.
Expert Insight
In my experience, truly exceptional Yirawala artworks often require patience. Sometimes a serious collector will commit immediately; at other times, they must reconcile desire with budget. Offering a major work to the right group of collectors over an extended period usually yields stronger results than a rushed sale.
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