PAINTING STORY

Ngalyipi Jukurrpa (Snake Vine Dreaming) – Yanjirlpiri

Japaljarri/Jungarrayi men and Napaljarri/Nungarrayi women
are the ‘kirda’ (custodians) of the Ngalyipi Jukurrpa (snake vine
[Tinospora smilacina]). The country associated with this
Jukurrpa is at Yanjirlpiri (Mt. Nicker) to the west of Yuendumu.
‘Ngalyipi’ is a green creeper which curls its tendrils around the
trunks and branches of trees and has many uses. Tradi􀆟onally
it was used as a strap to carry ‘parraja’ (wooden food carrying
dishes), as a cure for headaches (it was wrapped very 􀆟ghtly
around the head), as a rope and as a ceremonial wrap during
the ‘wi􀆟’ ceremony for the ini􀆟a􀆟on of the sons and grandsons
of the Japaljarri and Jungarrayi men. ‘Ngalypi’ was also used to
􀆟e ‘wi􀆟’ (ceremonial) poles to the legs of the young ini􀆟ates.
The women danced and sang at the ceremony and then had to
look away and block their ears when the men danced.
The ‘witi’ ceremony happened at night under the stars.

Artist: Geraldine Napangardi Granites

GARMENT INFO

• Organically grown wild bamboo
• Loose fit
• Chest pocket
• Bamboo wood-look buttons

COMPOSITION

65%  Bamboo Fiber  35% Cotton

Care and Use Instructions: cold machine wash with like colours. Do not bleach, soak or rub

Do not tumble dry. Warm iron, Do not dry clean