Desert Boomerangby Rolley Mintuma

Known collectively as punu, the carvings of Anangu (Central and Western Desert Aboriginal people) have their beginnings in the Tjukurpa when the Creation Ancestors fashioned the first weapons and tools, setting down the laws and conventions of their design.

The Central and Western Desert kali or boomerang is a non-returning one and usually crafted from wanari, mulga wood. It is used for hunting and fighting and in pairs as a percussive instrument for inma or ceremony. Size and shape differ according to the individual craftsman.

“Watingku pungkula tjilpirpungkula kutjarara irira, ayi - mira mira wirura mulapa.” Anangu wati tjilpi

‘A man strikes and splits the wood in two, trims it back, exclaiming with pride - paying close attention to his expert crafting.’ Senior Aboriginal man

Artist:Rolley Mintuma
Title:Desert Boomerang
ID:L593
Medium:Mulga Wood
Size:61 x 7 cm
Region:Uluru, Central Australia

Artist

Rolley Mintuma is an original and highly innovative man. As well as painting and carving often quirky observed animal carvings, Rolley is known for his incised weapons. Styled traditionally and drawing on the Tjukurpa in their making, they also have a contemporaneity reflective of the artist’s original approach. When he is not concentrating on his art work Rolley is often active as a spokesperson and consultant in the interpretation of traditional culture and Tjukurpa (traditional Law). He has worked as a guide and inma (ceremonial) dancer. Some of Rolley’s work has been as a film actor with roles in films based on the history of Central Australia. In all his work he has a strong partnership with his wife, Pixie Brown and they are often to be seen seated at their fire working on their carvings. They are also painters with Walkatjara Art.

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