Ngapa (Water Dreaming) by Janet Long Nakamarra
Title: Ngapa (Water Dreaming)
ID: 0608474
Medium: Acrylic on Belgian Linen
Size: 127x112 cm
Artist: Janet Long Nakamarra
The lines depicted in this artwork represents the underground flowing water at a Warntaparri, which is a significant place for Warlpiri people in central Australia. It is at this place where ceremonies are performed. They paint their bodies with white ochre and sit singing to invoke the ancestral beings to ensure rain.
The roundels represent the soakages and as each one would dry up the Warlpiri people move on to another soakage, before digging a hole and covering it with leaves. Overnight the water would settle clear enough to drink.
Ngapa 
a Warlpiri word used for rain or water.
If you would like to know more about Water Dreaming and the relationship with Aboriginal Art and culture, please read the following articles:
Aboriginal Symbols Glossary:
(Click on a icon to learn about the meaning)
An Australian Aboriginal artwork should always be issued with a Certificate of Provenance, also known as a Certificate of Authenticity. This document contains vital information on the artist, as well as details about the artwork itself. When selling on an artwork, please ensure that this document is passed on. Authenticity of Provenance means that the origin or authorship of a work of art has been correctly identified.
Central Art follows a well defined provenance and authenticity process to ensure that we are an exemplar in our business practice . Careful and detailed documentation follows – each work is given a catalogue number, inscribed on the back of the artwork with the Central Art stamped logo, the artist's signature and the title of the work.
Printed on the Certificate of Provenance is a copyright acknowledgement that reads as follows:
This work is copyright. The copyright is owned by the Artist and his/her people. This painting may not be reproduced in part, in whole, or in any other form without the permission of the Artist or his/her inheritors clearly in writing, with all knowledge prior to final proof to the family concerned – then only when clearance has been approved.
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