PNA642 Medium Cushion Cover Wool

Medium: Wool Cushion Cover – 16in (40cm)

This painting depicts an important site in the Yankirri Jukurrpa (Emu Dreaming), located at Ngarlikurlangu, north of Yuendumu. The yankirri (emu – Dromaius novaehollandiae) traveled to this rockhole in search of water. This Dreaming belongs to Jangala/Jampijinpa men and Nangala/Nampijinpa women.

In Warlpiri art, traditional iconography is used to depict elements of the Dreaming. Emus are often represented by their distinctive wirliya (footprints), shown as arrow-like shapes, symbolizing their movements through the landscape in search of yakajirri (bush raisins – Solanum centrale).

In the time of the Jukurrpa, a dispute arose at Ngarlikurlangu between the emu ancestor and the Wardilyka (Australian bustard – Ardeotis australis) ancestors over access to the yakajirri. This story is still celebrated today through ceremonial dance performed during initiation ceremonies.