Mimih

Spirits of the rock country

In the traditions of the Kunwinjku people and their neighbours in western Arnhem Land, Mimih are spirit beings who live in the rock country of the Arnhem Land escarpment. They are described as very tall and so thin that a strong wind could snap their necks, which is why they come out mainly on still days. They live inside cracks in the rock and can open and close the rock by blowing on it.

Teachers

Kunwinjku tellings shared publicly, including through art centres such as Injalak Arts at Gunbalanya, describe Mimih as the ones who taught people to hunt, to cook, and to paint on rock; some of the oldest rock paintings of the region, with slender, active human figures, are attributed to Mimih. Mimih can be shy and mischievous, and a person who is careless with them may be led astray.

In art

Mimih are among the best-known subjects of Kunwinjku bark painting and carving, and slender carved Mimih figures are made for sale by artists through community art centres. These are publicly shared depictions made by the people whose tradition this is; this site does not attempt to depict Mimih.