13 AM 5793/08
Betsy Napangardi Lewis Mina Mina Jukurrpa (Mina Mina Dreaming)-Ngalyipi 2007
Acrylic on Belgian linen 760 x 760mm $3330
The country associated with this Jukurrpa is Mina Mina, a place far to the west of Yuendumu, which is
significant to Napangardi and Napanangka women, the custodians of the Jukurrpa that created the area. The
Jukurrpa story tells of the journey of a group of women of all ages who travelled to the east gathering food,
collecting Ngalyipi (Tinospora smilacina or snake vine) and performing ceremonies as they travelled. The
women began their journey at Mina Mina where Karla-ngu (digging sticks) emerged from the ground. Taking
these implements the women travelled east creating Janyinki and other sites. Their journey took them far to the
east beyond the boundaries of Warlpiri country. The Ngalyipi vine grows up the trunks and limbs of the
Kurrkara (Desert Oak, Allocasuarina decaisneana) trees. Ngalyipi is a vine sacred to Napangardi and
Napanangka women and has many uses, including as a ceremonial wrap, as a strap to carry Parrajas (wooden bowls).