Ernest Bennett was born near Warbuton and now lives in Warakurna with his family. His country is Karrku not far from Warakurna.
A miru is extracted with economy as a vertical segment from a living mulga tree, its craftsman then working with the grain to reduce the portion to the thin even leaf, its minimal form following the demands each of its multiple functions.
The Miru is the essence of western desert minimalism. As the extension of a man's arm it will amplify the power and distance that a spear can be hurled. Its leaf-shaped-core doubles as a container for mixing pituri and can carry ochre. Its burnished edge, when rubbed on a softer wood makes fire. Tipped with a freshly napped blade, the same implement is used as a perfectly balanced adze to butcher fresh-cooked kangaroo or to hone an identical weapon, created on its own perfect template.
Ernest Bennett's Miru has been cast and is poised, as if on the suspension of a rolled-over-motorcar, a vehicles leaf-spring-suspension adapted for a new use. All is kinetic energy - waiting for the target to come within the range of this lethal propellant.
Text courtesy of John Kean, Museum Victoria 2008
The Bronze Miru (limited edition of six) is available, please contact Warakurna Artists art@warakurnaartists.com.au or 08 8955 8099 to place an order.
Photos Edwina Circuitt
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