Watiya-warnu Jukurrpa (Seed Dreaming) by Marsha Nangala Williams

Artwork story:

This painting tells the story of a Jangala 'watiya-warnu' (Acacia tenuissima) ancestor who travelled south from a small hill called Ngurlupurranyangu to Yamunturrngu (Mount Liebig). As he travelled he picked the watiya-warnu' seeds and placed them in 'parrajas' (food carriers), one of which he carried on his head. Watiya-warn is a seed bearing tree that grows in open spinife or mulga country. When people returned to their camp after collecting the seeds they would make large windbreaks for shelter and winnow the seed in the late afternoon. Immature 'watiya-warnu seed is ground into a paste and can be used to treat upset stomachs.

The associated 'watiya-warnu' ceremony involves the preparation of a large ground painting. This Jukurrpa belongs to Nampijinpa/Nangala women and Jampijinpa/Jangala men. In contemporary Warlpiri paintings traditional iconography is used to represent the Jukurrpa, particular sites and other elements. In paintings of this Dreaming 'U shapes are often depicting women collecting the 'watiya-warnu' seeds. Oval shapes represent the 'parrajas' where they carry the seeds and strait lines beside them frequently portrait digging sticks.

About the supplier:

Warlukurlangu Artists is one of the longest running and most successful Aboriginal-owned art centres in Central Australia. Read more

Product details:

Dimensions: 300 x 300 mm prestretched

Material: Acrylic on canvas

Painted in Central Australia (NT)

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