The Mimih spirit exists in a parallel realm that mirrors many aspects of human life, while also embodying the profound Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander understanding of time and space. These spirits hold an essential place in Aboriginal spirituality, cosmology, moral and social narratives, as well as in ritual practices.

Mimih are depicted as refined, elongated, even emaciated figures, with a wide range of facial expressions that give them individuality and hint at the volatility and humor often attributed to these spirits in their interactions with bininj (humans). Sculptures are typically carved from slender trunks of softwoods such as kapok (Bombax ceiba or cotton tree), kurrajong, beach hibiscus, or leichardt tree, and painted with natural pigments for color and design.

The representation of this spirit, once used as an accompaniment to the sharing of song cycles and ceremonies, has since become a central form and subject of contemporary sculpture. Variations in the creation of Mimih figures reflect each artist’s individuality and stylistic signature.