012
Warlimpirrnga
Tjapaltjarri
Pintupi (born ca.1958)
Tingari Cycle, 1998
synthetic polymer paint on linen
122 x 36cm
PROVENANCE
Gallery Gondwana, Alice Springs, NT, cat.no.2682; accompanied by original
certificate of authenticity
Private Collection, NT
Documentation reads
The artist has depicted a subject associated with a mythological event
in the Tingari Cycle, which is related to a site known as Karrinyarra
(Central Mount Wedge) located to the north of Papunya. It was here during
the Dreaming when two Kunia ancestral snakes (represented by the red and
white dotted meandering liens) prepared for a long journey west. At Lake
Mackay the Kunia snakes met with a large group of Tingari ancestors who
were on their way north for Malliera (initiation) ceremonies. Since events
associated with the Tingari Cycle are of a secret nature no further detail
was given.
Generally, the Tingari are a group of mythical characters of the Dreaming
who travelled over vast stretches of the country, performing rituals and
creating and shaping particular sites. The Tingari Men were usually followed
by Tingari Women and accompanied by novices and their travels and adventures
are enshrined in a number of song cycles. These mythologies form part
of the teachings of the post initiatory youths today as well as providing
explanations for contemporary customs.