Deutscher and Hackett

Papunya Tula Artists, Alice Springs
Private collection, Victoria, acquired from the above in 1997

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Papunya Tula Artists which states in part: 'This painting depicts designs associated with the rockhole site of Mulkunupalkanya, near Lake Mackay. In mythological times a Tingari Man camped at this site. He caught and ate a snake which was living at the rockhole, only to have it burst out of his stomach afterwards.

Since 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 post initiatory youths today as well as providing explanations for contemporary customs.’