Deutscher and Hackett

Papunya Tula Artists, Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Private collection, Melbourne

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Papunya Tula Artists which states: ‘This painting depicts designs associated with the site of Myilili, near Jupiter Well. In ancestral times a large group of Tingari men camped at this site before travelling south-east to Ngarru. At Ngarru they performed the dances and sang the songs associated with the area.
Upon completion of the ceremonies at this site the men continued their travels north-east toward Kiwirrkura, eventually travelling to Wilkinkarra (Lake Mackay) via the lake site of Pinari.
As they travelled they drank from various water sources found amongst the rocky outcrops. The jagged lines and squares represent water designs that were painted onto the men's bodies for ceremonial purposes.
Since events associated with the Tingari Cycle are of a secret nature no further detail was given.
Generally, the Tingari are a group of ancestral beings 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 were accompanied by novices, and their travels and adventures are enshrined in a number of song cycles. These ancestral stories form part of the teachings of the post initiatory youths today as well as providing explanations for contemporary customs.’