Possum Dreamingby Frank Japanangka

Artwork: Possum Dreaming
Artist: Frank Japanangka

This artwork shares the Dreaming story of Janganpa (Brush Tail Possum). The possum travels all over Warlpiri country. Janganpa are nocturnal animals that often nest in the hollows of white gum trees. This story comes from a big hill called Mawurrji. A group of Janganpa ancestors resided there. Every night they would go out in search of food. Their hunting trips took them to Wirlki and Wanapirdi, where they found Flying Ants. They began in search of water at Ngarlkirdipini. A Nampijinpa woman was living at Mawurrji with her two daughters, she had promised her daughters for marriage to Jupurrurla Janganpa but changed her mind and fled. Jupurrurla chased after them and tracked them to Mawurrji where he killed them with a stone axe. Their bodies are now rock formations at this place. Warlpiri people perform men's initiation ceremonies which involve the Janganpa Jukurrpa.