WATER DREAMING AT MAPARRINYA, 1991
RONNIE TJAMPITJINPA
synthetic polymer paint on linen
100.0 x 100.0 cm
bears inscription verso: artist’s name, size and Papunya Tula Artists cat. RT911261
Papunya Tula Artists, Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Private collection, Switzerland, acquired from the above in January 1992
This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Papunya Tula Artists which states: ‘This painting depicts designs associated with the Water Dreaming at the site of Maparrinya to the east of Lake Mackay. This water dreaming travelled from Maparrinya to the south of Fitzroy Crossing.
This site is also associated with the travels of the Tingari Men and as events associated with the Tingari Cycle are of a secret nature no further detail 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 and adventures are enshrined in a number of song cycles. These mythologies form part of the teachings of the postinitiatory youths today as well as providing explanations for contemporary customs.’