Tingari Cycle, 1999 by Walala Tjapaltjarri 167x107cm 3852WT

The subject of this painting is associated with a Jukurrpa (Dreaming) event in the Tingari Cycle, which is related to the site of Wilkinkarra (Lake Mackay) in Western Australia. It was here that two old Tingari men were hunting Marlu (Kangaroo) by way of burning the surrounding spinifex country with fire sticks, to flush out their game. The Marlu were eventually pursued all the way north to Derby in the Kimberley region, via Balgo Hills and Halls Creek.

The rectangles represent the sediment of Lake Mackay, a huge salt water lake in which the water evaporates leaving vast stretches of clay pan fringed by salt. Within this area exist rocky outcrops and rock-holes, in which the family would find water and bush foods, depicted here by the group of small yellow rectangles. After periods of rain, rock-holes become catchment areas, which act as vital sources of water.

It was this region that Walala and his family travelled through, their traditional country, avoiding integration with other Pintupi and Euro-Australians alike until 1984 when they made first contact.

As the events associated with the Tingari Cycle are of a secret and sacred nature no further details were given. Generally, the Tingari are a group of Jukurrpa (Dreaming) ancestors who traveled enormous stretches of the country, performing rituals which helped create the particular land formations of the various sites. The Tingari men were usually accompanied by novices and followed by the Tingari Women. Their travels and adventures are enshrined in song cycles, which today are important aspects of the investiture teachings of the post initiatory youths, as well as providing explanations for contemporary customs.