Darby Jampijinpa Ross, Ngipiri Jukurrpa etching, 92/99
Darby Jampijinpa Ross, 'Ngipiri Jukurrpa', Etching, 92/99, 2003, WAA 490/03, paper size 39x20cm, image size 24x16cm, signed thumb print
'Ngipiri Jukurrpa' is an important site belonging to his father, associated with the Emu Dreaming.
Darby Jampijinpa Ross (c.1905–14 March 2005) was a highly respected Warlpiri elder, lawman and artist, born at Ngarnayarlpirri in the Tanami Desert. He was one of the last senior men at Yuendumu with deep first-hand knowledge of country, songlines, plant and animal lore, having travelled vast distances on foot. With his passing, many songs, place names and ceremonial knowledge were lost.
As a young man, Ross survived the Coniston Massacre of 1928, in which many of his family were killed—an event that marked his life and testimony. Little is recorded of his early years, though his later life reflects extraordinary resilience and leadership.
Ross worked widely across Central Australia as a tracker, butcher, mailman, stockman and head drover, including repeated journeys along the Murranji Track. During World War II he worked as a wolfram miner at Hatches Creek and later with the Native Labour Gang in Alice Springs. After the war he married Lady Nakamarra, an Alyawarre woman.
In 1952, Ross settled permanently at Yuendumu, where he became a strong cultural and community leader. In 1971 he made history as Australia’s first Aboriginal curator, overseeing the establishment of the Yuendumu Men’s Museum.
He began painting in 1985 as a founding member of Warlukurlangu Artists, producing over 120 documented works. His paintings depict major Warlpiri Jukurrpa, including Pamapardu (Flying Ant), Emu, Ngapa (Water) and seasonal cycles. His totems were emu and bandicoot.
Ross passed away in Alice Springs one day after receiving a telegram from Queen Elizabeth II congratulating him on turning 100. Revered by fellow artists such as Michael Nelson Jagamara, Darby Jampijinpa Ross remains a towering figure of cultural authority, continuity and quiet influence.