NPA937 Oblong Cushion Cover Wool

Nelly shares her deep knowledge of the epic Seven Sisters Tjukurpa — a powerful creation story that stretches across the Australian continent. It tells of Wati Nyiru, a man who relentlessly pursued seven sisters as they travelled through the land.

The journey begins in Whyalla, where the sisters were first chased by Wati Nyiru. He followed them down to Port Augusta, determined to marry the eldest sister. In the middle of the night, the sisters fled while Wati Nyiru was asleep. But when he awoke, he quickly picked up their trail and followed them as far as Canberra.

The eldest sister grew worried — she could sense his presence nearby as they camped. Though scared, she quietly signalled to the others without alerting Wati Nyiru that she knew he was close. He continued to sing and dance, expressing his desire for the big sister. He danced too much, and in that moment of distraction, the sisters fled once more.

Wati Nyiru loved all the sisters, but his obsession caused them to keep running. This painting captures some of the significant places where the sisters stopped to rest on their long journey across the land.