CreatorWalala TjapaltjarriTitleTingari CycleDateSeptember 2004MediumAcrylic on linenDimensions90cm x 60cmArtist StatementDuring the Tjukurrpa (Creation Era) Tingari ancestral beings gathered at a series of sites for Malliera (Initiation) Ceremonies. They travelled vast stretches of the country, performing rituals at specific sites that in turn created the diverse natural features of the environment. The Tingari men were accompanied by novices and usually followed by Tingari women. The creation stories and rituals are venerated in the song cycles and ceremonies of today, forming part of the teachings of the post initiatory youths, whilst also providing explanations for contemporary customs.
Walala Tjapaltjarri uses a highly personalised and minimal style to represent aspects of the sacred Tingari cycle, an epic journey of Ancestors of the Tjukurrpa (Creation Era). He paints aspects of the Tingari cycle which are associated with the artist's many sacred sites - such as Wilkinkarra, Maruwa, Tarrku, Njami and Yarrawangu to name a few. These are locations of significant rockholes, sandhills, sacred mountains and water soakages in Gibson Desert.Accession Number040.2019Access AdviceFor research purposes only. No reproduction without permission of Yarrila Arts and Museum.
