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

‘This painting depicts the travels of a group of Tingari Men from the rockhole site of Tjurnga, east of Kiwirrkura, further east through Pinari and then north to Malanga, a large lake west of Balgo. The men performed ceremonies at the various sites through which they passed along the way. At Malanga they are said to have turned into snakes now living under the lake. 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.’