Wilma Poulson Napangardi

This painting depicts one of many bird species that live around Yuendumu. The bush around Yuendumu provides many different habitats for birds to live in. Many bird species live around waterholes and rivers, like the Black Fronted Dotterel and Budgerigar. Others live in the spinifex country, like the Cockatiel.

A number of bird species tell people messages. Several species tell people when rain is coming, including the Willy Wagtail and the Crane. The cries of other birds, like the Brown Falcon and Bush Stone Curlew can make children sick. The Crested Bellbird and Diamond Dove are messengers of love songs.

People also use messages from birds to help them hunt. The ‘juwayikirdi’ (grey crowned babbler) and ‘piirn-piirnpa’ (yellow throated miner) cry when goannas are nearby. People know to run quickly when these birds cry, so that they can catch the goannas.

In Warlpiri culture, ‘jurlpu’ (birds) are associated with a number of different ‘Jukurrpa’ (Dreaming) stories. Some are even associated with major ceremonies, including the Jardiwarnpa fire ceremony.

Provenance

Warlukurlangu Artists, Yuendumu NT
Red Kangaroo Gallery, Sydney, NSW

This painting does not come with a photo of the artist holding the work.