Njaljod (The Rainbow Serpent) Item Number: 3544/2 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Painting on a rectangular piece of slightly warped bark; depicts Njaljod (the Rainbow Serpent). Painting background is orange-red and the undulating serpent spans the entire width. Serpent has a thick body that narrows at the neck and tail, an oval-shaped head with an open mouth, and two small circular eyes. A long, white forked tongue extends from mouth, into bottom right corner of painting. Body of serpent is decorated with chevrons filled with cross-hatched bands; bands are dark yellow, maroon, black, and white. Lines dividing chevrons are maroon and decorated with alternating black and white dots. White bands run along curves of serpent, with maroon diagonal lines spaced throughout. White flowers extend from the bottom and top of serpent, at the centre of the painting. Wooden rods are tied to either side of painting, with plant fibre ties. Back of painting is undecorated; inscriptions written throughout and a paper label is adhered to centre. (Metal hanging hardware along top edge).
The Rainbow Serpent appears as a highly important figure in the mythology of Aboriginal groups. Its nature varies from myth to myth and site to site; it can be benign or highly dangerous. In some myths, it is male or neutral, while in others it is specifically female. The "mother one" is most often associated with the increase of species. The Rainbow Serpent can take other forms, sometimes appearing as a buffalo or kangaroo.