Beryl Nakamarra Gorey - Ngarlkirdi Jukurrpa (Witchetty Grub Dreaming) 46x30cm
Mainie Australia - Ngarlkirdi Jukurrpa Painting
Artwork Name: Ngarlkirdi Jukurrpa (Witchetty Grub Dreaming)
Artist: Beryl Nakamarra Gorey
Size: 46cm x 30cm loose canvas
Item Code: 10317
Art Story
This painting depicts Napaljarri and Nungarrayi women (often shown as ‘U’ shaped figures collecting ‘ngarlkirdi’ (witchetty grubs) in an area known as Kunajarrayi (Mount Nicker) 200km to the south-west od Yuendumu. Witchetty grubs can be eaten cooked or raw and are edible in all phases of their life cycle. The design of this painting also symbolises important features of initiation ceremonies for young Japaljarri and Jungarrayi men.
The area contains many caves ‘pirnki’ overlooking an important ceremonial site associated with the Ngarlkirdi Jukurrpa. The story belongs to the Nungarrayi/Jungarrayi and Napaljarri/Japaljarri subsections. In Warlpiri painting traditional iconography is uses to represent the Jukurrpa, particular sites and other elements. Circular shapes are often used to depict the important sites for the ceremony and the long straight lines represent ‘witi’ ceremonial poles, which play an important role during the initiation ceremonies.
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