Artiste : Geraldine Napangardi Granites

Titre de l'œuvre : Ngalyipi Jukurrpa (Snake Vine Dreaming) - Purturlu

Format : 122 x 122 cm

Provenance et certificat : centre d'art aborigène de Yuendumu

Référence de cette peinture : 1041/23

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Explications de l'œuvre :

The ‘ngalyipi Jukurrpa’ (snakevine [Tinospora smilacina] Dreaming) depicted in this painting comes from Purturlu (Mount Theo), located approximately 150kms north-northwest of Yuendumu. The ‘kirda’ (owners) of this Dreaming are Napanangka/Napangardi women and

Japanangka/Japangardi men. The ‘kurdungurlu’ (custodians) for this Dreaming are Nangala/Nakamarra women and Jangala/Jakamarra men.

A number of other Dreamings are also located in, or pass through, Purturlu; these include ‘wakurlpirri Jukurrpa’ (Dogwood tree Dreaming), ‘wardapi Jukurrpa’ (goanna Jukurrpa), and ‘kanta Jukurrpa’ (bush coconut Dreaming). ‘Ngalyipi’ (snakevine) is a green creeper that climbs up the trunks and branches of trees and shrubs. The plant is found on sandy spinifex plains and sandhills. ‘Ngalyipi’ is frequently depicted in paintings due to its many uses and its great importance in the initiation ceremonies of young Japanangka/Japangardi men. The vine can be used as a shoulder strap to carry ‘parraja’ (coolamons) and ‘ngami’ (water carriers). The plant also has medicinal uses; its vines are used as tourniquets, and its leaves and vines are used as bandages for wounds.

Warlpiri sometimes also chew the leaves to treat severe colds. ‘Ngalyipi’ stems can be pounded between stones and tied around the forehead to cure headaches. In men’s initiation, ‘ngalyipi’ is used to tie the ‘witi’ (ceremonial poles) to the shins of the dancing initiates, and to tie ‘yukurruyukurru’ (dancing boards) to dancers’ bodies. The initiation ceremonies associated with the ‘ngalyipi’ Dreaming at Purturlu are for the sons and grandsons of Japanangka and Japangardi men. Napanangka and Napangardi women dance at these ceremonies, and then look away and block their ears when the men dance. This ‘witi’ ceremony is performed at night under the stars.

© Photo : Aboriginal Signature Estrangin gallery with the courtesy of the artists and Yuendumu