The wira is a smaller version of the piti or wooden bowl which is a traditional woman’s carrying vessel for food and water. It is used in many ways including as a ladle for collecting water and for digging with.
Contemporary artists use walka, patterns burnt into the wood with wire heated on a wood fire. These relate Tjukurpa, stories about the Tjukuritja or Creation Ancestors and the activities which shaped the land, the people and their Law. Many of the details of Tjukurpa are restricted to senior custodians so it is not possible to describe the full story behind the walka.
Details
Artist: Unknown
Title: Wira (Collecting Bowl)
Born: Unknown
Community: Titijikala, NT
Language: Yanyunkytjatjarra
Size:
(mm) L350 x W174 x H97
Medium:
'Itara' - River Red Gum Eucalyptus camaldulensis
