Mimi, esperits de la feritilitat

The representation of spirits is one of the central themes of Aboriginal painting since, for the Indigenous Australians, natural phenomena are manifestations of the spirits. Some of the most common spirits are the Mimi or rock spirits; they hide behind rocks or under ground. Characterised by their physical fragility, they are kindly spirits that appear gentle and timorous. However, when circumstances so require or when tribal rules need to upheld, they are capable of killing and kidnapping. According to the Indigenous Australians, they are so delicate that the wind can break their necks, and that is why they have to live hidden away in underground caves. Mimi are afraid of adults; hence, they are only visible to children. Mimi are believed to be the authors of the cave paintings in western Arnhem Land.