Papunya Tjupi Arts

2 AM 5428/07
Morris Major Tjangala Possum & Water Dreaming 2007
Acrylic on canvas 610 x 915mm SOLD
Morris has depicted a Possum Dreaming site to the north of Kintore (West of Papunya) and Kalipinya. The ‘E’
shapes are the tracks made by the possums and the curved lines indicate the paths traveled by the possum
ancestors. The central circle indicates an important sacred site. The other circles are kapi tjukula or rock holes
where water can be found.

Stories of the Possum Ancestors belong to the of the ‘Creation or Dreamtime’ world origin. The Possum
Ancestors traversed the land holding ceremonies and secret sacred rituals to create the land formations as we
know them today. The possum ancestors are honoured by Aboriginal people in corroborees performed at these
sites.

This painting also depicts Water dreaming at Kalipinypa – a powerful storm bringing on the lightning,
thunderclouds and rain sending its deluge to rejuvenate the earth, filling rock holes, clay pans and creeks. The
short lines in pairs either side of the central line are the lightning strikes. The central line is the water flowing
after the storm.