Janganpa - Mawurrji by Jorna Napurrurla Nelson 31x122cm
Janganpa Jukurrpa, or the Common Brush-tail Possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) Dreaming, is a profound narrative that spans the Warlpiri country. 'Janganpa' are nocturnal creatures that often make their nests in the hollows of white gum trees ('wapunungka').
This Dreaming story originates from Mawurrji, a significant hill located west of Yuendumu and north of Pikilyi (Vaughan Springs). It tells of a group of ‘janganpa’ ancestors who lived there. Each night, they ventured out in search of food, traveling to Wirlki and Wanapirdi to find 'pamapardu' (flying ants), and to Ngarlkirdipini in search of water. A Nampijinpa woman lived at Mawurrji with her two daughters, who she married off to a Jupurrurla ‘janganpa’. Later, she decided to flee with her daughters, prompting the Jupurrurla to angrily chase them down. He ultimately killed them with a stone axe, and their bodies transformed into rocks at Mawurrji.
Warlpiri people conduct a young men's initiation ceremony that incorporates the Janganpa Jukurrpa. This Dreaming is owned by Jakamarra/Jupurrurla men and Nakamarra/Napurrurla women. In Warlpiri paintings, traditional iconography represents this Jukurrpa. 'Janganpa' tracks are depicted as ‘E’ shaped figures, and concentric circles symbolize the trees where the ‘janganpa’ reside and the sites at Mawurrji.
Born circa 1928-32, Jorna Napurrurla Nelson is the half-sister of artist and senior law woman Peggy Poulson Napurrurla. In her later years, she married Paddy Lewis Japanangka, the father of Dorothy Napangardi.