Painting - Martina Napangardi Wheeler

Mirri-jarra Jukurrpa (Shield Dreaming) by Martina Napangardi Wheeler

Artwork story:

The Jukurrpa represented in this painting belongs to a place to the north of Yuendumu, near Wakurlpa, called Mirrijarra. Here two men were making 'kurdiji' (shields) from the wood of

'yinirnti' (bean tree [Erythrina vespertilio]). The two men left their 'kurdiji' at Mirrijarra and travelled on to the east. Two rock holes in the side of the rocky hill mark the place where they were making their 'kurdiji' and these rockholes make the shape of the 'miri' (handle) of the shield. In contemporary Warlpiri paintings traditional iconography is used to represent the Jukurrpa, particular sites and other elements in each painting. In paintings of this Dreaming, Mirri-jarra is typically indicated by concentric circle and the 'kurdiji' are usually depicted with their hand grips. 'U' shapes usually are shown representing men while long atrait lines beside them are usually depicting 'kurlada' (spears). 'Karli (boomerangs), clubs, and stone knives can sometimes be depicted.

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)