Warnakiji (Bush Tomato) 1999, by Polly Napangardi Watson 45x45cm Cat 3557PWN

The Warlpiri language group calls Bush Tomato Warnakiji. These much desired desert fruits grow can be eaten either raw or threaded onto a stick and cooked over the coals of a fire but only after removing the poisonous black seeds. The fruit has a similar taste to an apple.

Polly's interpretation of Warnakiji is an artistic perspective of her country, Kurnpu near Mount Doreen, which is west of Yuendumu in the Tanami Desert and approximately 350 km north-west of Alice Springs.

The background of many coloured dots depict the countryside surrounding the site with its trees and spinifex grasses. The white dotting is the traveling rout taken by the Warnakiji as it’s seeds traveled through the country during the Dreaming.

The custodians of Warnakiji Jukurrpa are Napanangka/Napangardi subsection group, patrilineal auntie and niece. This traditional relationship dictates the methods of how ceremonial instruction of knowledge is passed from generation to generation.

Other important Jukurrpa (creation stories) painted by Polly are Ngurlu (black seed) Watiki (bush plum) and Jungunpa (marsupial mouse).