001
Maggie
Watson Napangardi
Warlpiri (ca.1921–2004)
Ngalyipi (Snake Vine Dreaming), 1997
synthetic polymer paint on linen
182 x 92 cm
PROVENANCE
Commissioned by Kimberley Art, Melbourne, cat.no.KA585/98; accompanied
by original certificate authenticity and a suite of seven colour photographs
of the artist executing the painting
Private Collection, Melbourne
The country of this Dreaming is Mina Mina, west of Yuendemu and significant
to Napangardi and Napanangka women who are the custodians of the Dreaming
that created the area.
The Dreaming described the journey of a group of women, of all ages who
travelled east gathering food and collecting "ngalyipi" (Tinospora
smilacina or snake vine). The vine served several purposes. It could be
used as a strap to carry parraja (food containers), as a tourniquet or
as ceremonial rope when making witi poles. As the women travelled they
performed ceremonies. The women began their journey at Mina Mina in the
far west where digging sticks emerged from the ground. Taking these implements
the women travelled east creating Janyinki and other places. Their journey
took them eventually beyond Warlpiri country.