Mabel King

MABEL KING
Born: 1930
Died: 2006
Birth Place: Gularungnardi
Language Group: Ngarinyin
Region: Kimberley / Mowanjum
Biography
A respected Ngarinyin elder and important person in Mowanjum's cultural affairs, Mabel is
another of the Mowanjum people who trekked from her Gurima country near Charnley River to
Munja, Kunmunya, Wotjulum, old Mowanjum and present day Mowanjum. She has secret
women's powers and is a keeper of traditional Ngarinyin song and dance. Mabel is
responsible for teaching the women and young boys and girls the proper way to dance
Wangga (children's corroboree).
With her keen wit, boundless enthusiasm, and knowledge of hundreds of Ngarinyin stories,
Mabel brings a wonderful energy into the Mownajum art studio. She paints prolifically and
passionately, with a child's joy. "I paint my own Wandjina stories for me', says Mabel.
"Painting has become my life".
Collectors are drawn to her naive style. In 1999, the prestigious National Gallery of Victoria
purchased four of her pieces.