Deutscher and Hackett

This painting is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Warlukurlangu Artists that states: ‘This painting tells of the journey of Japaljarri and Jungarrayi men who traveled from Kurlurngalinypa (near Lajamanu) to Yanjirlypirri (west of Yuendumu) and then on to Lake Mackay on the West Australian border. Along the way they performed kurdiji (initiation ceremonies) for young men. Women also danced for the kurdiji. The site depicted in this canvas is Yanjirlypiri (star) where there is a low hill and a water soakage.

The importance of this place cannot be overemphasised as young boys are brought here to be initiated from as far as Pitjanjatjara country to the south and Lajamanu to the north. In contemporary Warlpiri paintings traditional iconography is used to represent the Tjukurrpa, particular sites and other elements. During the performance of this ceremony the men wear jinjirla (white feather headdresses) on either side of their heads. They also wear wooden carvings of stars which are also laid out on the ground as part of the sand paintings produced for business. ngalyipi (snake vine), is often depicted as long curved lines, and is used to tie Witi (ceremonial spears) vertically to the shins of the dancing initiates. These Witi are typically shown as long straight lines and the yanjirlpirri (stars) are usually depicted as white circles or roundels.’