Warlukurlangu Artists

24 AM 6906/10
Judy Napangardi Watson Mina Mina Jukurrpa - Ngalyipi 2009
Acrylic on Belgian linen 750 x 500mm $2730
The country associated with this Jukurrpa is Mina Mina, a place far to the west of Yuendumu, which is significant to
Napangardi/Napanangka women and Japangardi/Japanangka men. All of them are 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’ (snake vine [Tinospora smilacina]) and performing ceremonies as they travelled. The women began their journey at
Mina Mina where ‘karlangu’ (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
sacred vine to Napangardi and Napanangka women that has many uses. It can be used as a ceremonial wrap, as a strap to
carry ‘parrajas’ (wooden bowls) that are laden with bush tucker and as a tourniquet for headaches.