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Mathaman Marika

1920 – 1970

Australian artist

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About Mathaman Marika

Lived 1920 – 1970 (aged 49–50). Mathaman Marika was an Australian painter.

Mathaman Marika (1920–1970) was an Aboriginal Australian artist and Indigenous rights activist. He was a member of the Rirratjingu clan of the Yolngu people of north-east Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, and one of the well-known Marika family, brother of Mawalan 1 Marika, Milirrpum Marika, Roy Dadaynga Marika, and Mathaman continued the struggle for land rights after the death of his elder brother Mawalan 1 in 1967.

The remaining Marika brothers were involved in the 1971 Milirrpum v Nabalco Pty Ltd (named after Mathaman's brother Milirrpum, also known as the Gove land rights case). All five were politically active for the rights of the Indigenous Australians, and four were also well-known Aboriginal artists.

Mathaman Marika held an important place in ceremonial life and produced most of his artwork from the late 1950s until his death. An art dealer in Melbourne, Jim Davidson, was a friend and became his agent in the 1960s.

His painting themes included the creator beings Djang'kawu's journey to Yalangbara, the Morning Star ceremony, various Nhulunbuy stories, and also the stories of a different (Manhdalpuy) clan, the Wagilag sisters. (Special rights were obtained for the latter by his grandfather in the 20th century, and have been passed down since.)

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Important facts

Born
1920, Arnhem Land
Birth century
Died
1970, Arnhem Land
Occupation
Nationality

People in Mathaman Marika's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Mathaman Marika's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Mathaman Marika?

Australian artist

When was Mathaman Marika born?

Mathaman Marika was born in 1920 in Arnhem Land.

When did Mathaman Marika die?

Mathaman Marika died in 1970 in Arnhem Land.

What was Mathaman Marika's occupation?

Mathaman Marika was a painter.

What nationality was Mathaman Marika?

Mathaman Marika was Australian.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Mathaman Marika

· Wikidata: Q67200363

· DBpedia: Mathaman Marika

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Mathaman Marika. https://biography.guide/mathaman-marika/

MLA: "Mathaman Marika." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/mathaman-marika/.

Chicago: "Mathaman Marika." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/mathaman-marika/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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