Janganpa Jukurrpa by Jorna Nelson Napurrula, 61x46cm

Janganpa Jukurrpa (Dreaming) 2006 by Jorna Napurrula Nelson, 61x46cm

Beautiful vibrant colours of purple and rich red ochre red outlined in yellow ochre and white combine with classic iconography to depict the travels of the Janganpa (Brush-tail Possum, Trichosurus vulpecula) all over Warlpiri country. This part of the story comes from a creation site called Mawurrji, west of Yuendumu and north of Pikilyi (Vaughan Springs). There is a Mulju (water soakage) and Pirli (mountain) there that was created by Janganpa ancestors.

Mawurrji is the site for a wrong-skin love union between a Jakamarra man and his skin sister. The details of this story are known only to the owners of this country who hold the songs related to this place. The straight lines in this painting are kularda (spears) that were thrown west by the Jakamarra as he stood atop the Pirli. The 'E' shaped figures represent the possum tracks whereas the circles are the trees in which the possum live.

Warlpiri people have a young men's initiation ceremony with Janganpa Jukurrpa. The Dreaming belongs to Jakamarra/Jupurrula men and Nakamarra/Napurrula women.

The themes of Jorna's other dreamings include Yarla (Yam), Yipintiri (bush bean), Ngarlajiyi (abush carrot) and Patanjarnngi (parakelia seed).

Jorna Nelson Napurrurla, born circa 1928-32, married late in life to Paddy Lewis Japanangka (Dorothy Napangardi's father). She was related to senior law woman Peggy Poulson Napurrula and Lorna Nelson and lived between Yuendumu and Nyrripi where she sadly passed away in 2011. Jorna contributed richly to her cultural heritage through her art.