Mimi/Mini

The Mimi are spirits from Aboriginal Australian myth. They can be seen on bark and rock paintings, often in Arnhem Land. They have bodies filled in with geometric shapes, and these shapes may be associated with specific clans. Traditional colors of the Mimi are red, yellow, and white. They are described as mischievous and so thin that one can see right through them. They have small heads, gaping mouths, long necks, exceptionally long arms, and hair made of many parallel lines. Some depictions have feathers growing from their knees and ankles. It’s believed they are thin so that they don’t blow around in the wind, which could break their necks or carry them away. Because of this, they only come out in calm weather. They lived in rocks and caves and opened their homes by speaking to rocks and closed them in the same way. It’s believed the Mimi helped Aboriginals learn to hunt and paint. Some were even thought to befriend or even marry humans, though it is ill-advised. Some Mimis lured people into caves and held them captive. Others were known to emerge from the cracks in rocks to attack people. They would hold their victims down until they are exhausted, and begin to cut away flesh to eat until nothing but bones are left. It’s thought Mimi do not die, but some stories suggest they can be burned to death.

Citations:

Bane, Theresa. Encyclopedia of Beasts and Monsters in Myth, Legend and Folklore. United States, McFarland, Incorporated, Publishers, 2016.

Berndt, Ronald M., and Berndt, Catherine H.. The Speaking Land: Myth and Story in Aboriginal Australia. United States, Inner Traditions/Bear, 1994.

Finley, Carol. Aboriginal Art of Australia: Exploring Cultural Traditions. United Kingdom, Lerner Publications, 1999.