Untitled (Tingari man at Kampurarrpa), 1998
Ronnie Tjampitjinpa
synthetic polymer paint on linen
121.0 x 150.5 cm
bears inscription verso: artist's name, size and Papunya Tula Artists cat. RT980610
Painted at Kintore, Northern Territory, in 1998
Papunya Tula Artists, Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Chapman Gallery, Canberra
Private collection Canberra, acquired from the above in January 2000
This work is accompanied by a copy of the certificate of authenticity from Papunya Tula Artists which states:
'This painting depicts designed associated with the travels of one old Tingari Man. He camped at Kampurarrpa, north of the Ehrenberg Range and applied body paint in preparation for a solo ceremony. He later travelled west to Winparrku (Mt. Webb) and then south-east to Lake MacDonald. 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.'