Emu Dreamingby Pauline Nampijinpa Singleton

Artwork: Emu Dreaming
Artist: Pauline Nampijinpa Singleton

This particular site of the Yankirri Jukurrpa (emu Dreaming Dromaius novaehollandiae) is at Ngarlikurlangu, north of Yuendumu. The 'Yankirri' travelled to the rock-hole at Ngarlikurlangu to find water. This Jukurrpa story belongs to Jangala/ Jampijinpa men and Nangala / Nampijinpa women. In contemporary Warlpiri paintings traditional iconography used to represent the Jukurrpa, associated sites and other element. Emus are usually represented by their 'Wirliya' (footprints), arrow-like shapes that show them walking around Ngarlikurlangu eating Yakajirri (Solanum centrale). In the time of the Jukurrpa there was a fight at Ngarlikurlangu between a 'Yankirri' ancestor and Wardilyka (Australian bustard (Ardeotis australis) ancestor over sharing the Yakajirri. There is also a dance for this Jukurrpa that is performed during initiation ceremonies.