Ngarlkirdi Jukurrpa

Paintings of this Dreaming from Yuendumu in Central Australia will often depict the Napaljarri and Nungarrayi women collecting Ngarlkirdi or Witchetty Grubs as the painting by Beryl Nakamarra demonstrates. This comes from the area of Kunajarrayi or Mount Nicker approximately 200km to the south-east of Yuendumu.

Witchetty Grubs can be eaten both cooked or raw and are edible in all phases of their life cycle. The designs of paintings with this Dreaming often have symbolism which relates to initiation ceremonies for young Japaljarri and Jungarrayi men. The area contains many caves overlooking an important ceremonial site associated with the Ngarlkirdi Jukurrpa. The Dreaming story belongs to the Nungarrayi and Jungarrayi as well as the Napaljarri and Japaljarri skin groups.

Paintings often incorporate traditional Warlpiri iconography to represent the Dreaming, particular sites and other elements such as plant and animal life. Circular shapes are often used to represent important sites for the ceremony where as long straight lines represent with "Witi" ceremonial poles which play an important role during initiation ceremonies.