Kuniya Tjukurpa (Python Woman)

Paintings depict the Tjukurpa, the Law and stories of Ancestors. Anangu (Central and Western Desert Aboriginal people) have responsibilities for the protection and teaching of different Tjukurpa. The dotting technique has evolved to adapt sacred expressions of Tjukurpa for public viewing and as depiction of the desert landscape.

The Kuniya or Python Snake people have lived at Uluru since the Tjukurpa or Creation Times. One senior Kuniya woman had been away for some time and wished to return to Uluru. Travelling from Waltanta (Erldunda) in the east and camping at Pakupaku near Mt Connor, she carried her eggs around her throat like a necklace.

Nearing Uluru, she sensed that all was not well so she hurriedly placed her eggs at Kuniya Piti for safe keeping and headed around to the western side of the rock. A Warmala or revenge party of Liru men, Dangerous Snake ancestors, had speared her nephew. In extreme grief and rage she attacked and killed one of the Liru warriors at Mutitjulu Waterhole. With her digging stick she pounded her grief into the head of the Liru man. Remaining in evidence of her revenge are two long gashes in the side ofthe rock at the site of her battle.

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