Bush Potato Dreamingby Molly Napurrurla

This Yarla Jukurrpa belongs to men of the Japaltjarri/Jungarrayi subsections and to the Napaljarri/Nungarrayi women. It comes from an area to the east of Yuendumu called Cockatoo Creek. Yarla or Bush Potato are fibrous tubers that grow beneath a low spreading plant found by looking for cracks in the ground. This edible tuber grows from roots which seek out moisture to spout new plants. Bush Potato are good to eat, when cooked they are really soft and tasty. The Jukurrpa tells of Yarla and Wapirti (Bush Carrot) ancestors fighting a big battle in this area. The specific site associated with this painting is a Mulju called Ngarparapunyu. In contemporary Warlpiri paintings traditional iconography is used to represent the Jukurrpa, associated sites and other elements. The curved lines of the Kuruwarri (ceremonial designs) represent the Ngamarna (vine-like tendrils) from which grow flowers. Digging sticks are used by women to dig for bush tucker like Yarla and Wapirti which are found underground.