Joseph Jurra Tjapaltjarri (born 1950)

Maliyarringya, 2003

synthetic polymer paint on linen

122.0 x 183.0 cm

bears inscription verso: artist's name, size and Papunya Tula Artists cat. JJ0301168

Painted at Kiwirrkura for Papunya Tula Artists, Alice Springs in January 2003
Private collection, Melbourne, acquired from the above in 2003

This work is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Papunya Tula Artists which states:

'This painting depicts designs associated with the site of Maliyarringya, a waterless site west of Kiwirrkura in Western Australia. In mythological times a large group of Tingari Men camped at this site before travelling east, passing through Ngami near Kiwirrkura, Tarkul (Mt. Webb) and then later Lake Mackay.

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.'