Wuluwait, Boatman of the Dead

Like the ancient Greeks, Romans, Etruscans, Norse and Egyptians, Aboriginal peoples of northern Australia had legends of boatmen who ferried the souls of the dead to the next life. Wuluwait ferries the dead to the Island of Puerelko, the Aboriginal equivalent of Heaven. It parallels that of the Greek and Roman mythology of the Underworld, where the Waters of Lethe are found.

Tony Banks of Genesis used this painting on the cover of his first solo album 'A Curious Feeling'.

The original work has been donated to the Art Gallery of South Australia.

Painted in 1964.