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Hi Bert - I have no idea who this particular artist is, apart from what you already know from the provenance details on your images: William Billinjara Maralngurra out of Oenpelli in the Gumadeer river area: Namarkon, the Lightening Spirit figure.
This is an example of "raark" painting on bark, most likely to be in natural pigments from its' age - did you procure this from the artist in 1974 or was it pre-owned by someone before yourself, and thus possibly older than 1974?
"Raark" is the name given to cross-hatched designs as in this depiction, and is specific to the Top-End (Arnhem Land)
There are several Maralngurras that are listed as artists from that region but I couldn't find specific mention of this particular person: quite possibly he is/was an older (senior) man and the age would make this a good artwork from several perspectives. The painting itself looks well-executed and not a "sloppy souvenir" which increases its value: obviously you have taken good care and it is in good condition.
You could take it to be appraised: I know no more than that.
Cheers, Darryl.
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