PNA642 Oblong Cushion Cover Wool

This artwork depicts a particular site of the Yankirri Jukurrpa (Emu Dreaming) located at Garlikurlangu, north of Yuendumu. In this Dreaming story, yankirri (emus) traveled to the rockhole at Ngarlikurlangu in search of water. This Jukurrpa is owned by Jangala/Jampijinpa men and Nangala/Nampijinpa women.

In contemporary Warlpiri paintings, traditional iconography is used to represent elements of the Jukurrpa and associated sites. Emus are symbolized by their wirliya (footprints), shown as arrow-like shapes to represent their movement around Ngarlikurlangu and the yakajirri (bush raisin, Solanum centrale).

During the time of the Dreaming, a conflict occurred between the yankirri ancestor and the wardilyka (Australian bustard) ancestors over the sharing of the yakajirri. This story is also represented through a ceremonial dance performed during initiation ceremonies.