7 AM 5921/08
Judy Napangardi Watson Mina Mina Jukurrpa (Mina Mina Dreaming)-Ngalyipi 2007
Acrylic on linen 1520 x 910mm $12870
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.