Warlukurlangu Artists

26 AM 6908/10
Judy Napangardi Watson Mina Mina Jukurrpa - Ngalyipi 2006
Acrylic on Belgian linen 1220 x 460mm $4380
The country associated with this painting 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 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 eventually beyond Warlpiri country. The central motif in this painting is the Ngalyipi
vine, which 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) laden with bush tucker and as a torniquet for headaches.