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 and their Meanings
• Aboriginal Spirituality