TINGARI SITE, LAKE MACDONALD, 1989
Yala Yala Gibbs Tjungurrayi
synthetic polymer paint on linen
180.5 x 121.5 cm
inscribed verso: artist's name and Papunya Tula Artists cat. YY890143
Papunya Tula Artists, Alice Springs
Private collection, Hong Kong
This painting is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Papunya Tula Artists, which states: ‘The secret-sacred Tingari site of Wapatjarra to the south-west of Lake MacDonald is depicted in this painting. In mythological times a large group of Tingari Men made camp at this site. As the mythologies associated with this site form part of the Tingari Cycle, no further information was given. Generally, the Tingari are a group of mythical characters of the Dreaming, who travelled over vast stretches of the country, performing rituals and creating and shaping particular sites. The Tingari men were usually followed by Tingari women and accompanied by novices and their travels are enshrined in a number of song cycles. These mythologies form part of the teachings of the post-initiate youths today as well as providing explanations for contemporary customs.’