Emu Dreamingby Biddy Nungarrayi Jurrah

This particular site of the Yankirri Jukurrpa (Emu Dreaming Dromaius novaehollandiae) is at Ngarlikurlangu, north of Yuendumu. The Yankirri travelled to the rock-hole at Ngarlikurlangu to find water. This Jukurrpa story belongs to Jangala/ Jampijinpa men and Nangala / Nampijinpa women. In contemporary Warlpiri paintings traditional iconography used to represent the Jukurrpa, associated sites and other element. Emus are usually represented by their Wirliya (footprints), arrow-like shapes that show them walking around Ngarlikurlangu eating Yakajirri (Solanum centrale). In the time of the Jukurrpa there was a fight at Ngarlikurlangu between a Yankirri ancestor and Wardiklyka (Australian bustard (Ardeotis australis) ancestor over sharing the Yakajirri. There is also a dance for this Jukurrpa that is performed during initiation ceremonies.

Artist:Biddy Nungarrayi Jurrah
Title:Emu Dreaming
ID:5233-18
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas
Size:30 x 30 cm
Region:Yuendumu, Central Australia

Artist

Biddy Nungarrayi Jurrah comes from Yuendumu Community, an Aboriginal community found approximately 300km from Alice Springs in Central Australia. Biddy works closely with Warlukurlangu Artists, a local Aboriginal art centre based in Yuendumu.

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