Munggurawuy Yunupingu was ceremonial leader, custodian of knowledge and keeper of the law for the Gumatj clan of the Yirritja moiety in north-east Arnhem Land. He had assisted Birrikitji Gumana and Barritjin Maymuru in painting the Yirritja church panels now housed in the Buku-Larrngay Mulka Museum at Yirrkala. Munggurawuy had also painted Yirritja designs on the Yirrkala bark petitions presented to Federal Parliament in 1963, which outlined Yolngu grievances over the intrusion of mining interests in Arhem Land.
His children particularly, Gaymala, Galarrwuy and Mandawuy Yunupingu have also distinguished themselves as Yolngu leaders in politics and the arts.
