Wilkinkarra, 2007 by Mitjili Napanangka Gibson 122x152cm

This painting is about getting snake vine ( Ngalyipi ) from where they grow around the sand hills of Lake MacKay and splitting the vine to make traditional rope or twine. Traditionally, the bark is torn into long strips that are plaited together to form sandals that could be used when the sand was very hot or when there were fields of sharp broken stones to walk upon. The snake vine ( Ngalyipi ) was an important component in certain ceremonies.

Lake Mackay is an important dreaming site for Mitjili and her family.