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 and there are strict protocols for the imparting of knowledge. The dotting technique has evolved with the need to adapt sacred expressions of Tjukurpa for public viewing and as a depiction of the desert landscape.
Uluru is a place of powerful Tjukurpa, this is the Uluru story by senior law woman of Uluru, Nellie Patterson.
Long time ago coming to Uluru and staying at Uluru, near big rock hole, Mutitjulu waterhole. The families coming together with the kids, then the mothers, fathers uncles and aunties all coming together and making a big windbreak. The children are then told “don’t go into the water, stay here and wait for everyone to bring the Kuka(meat) and bush foods. The children are then fed with all the foods such as Honey ants, Sand Goanna, Witchetty grubs, Perentie lizard and everyone is happy and dancing.
Details
Artist: Nellie Patterson
Size: 122cm X 102cm
Medium: Acrylic on canvas
