Original Art

Janganpa Jukurrpa (common brush-tail possum Dreaming) travels all over Warlpiri country. Janganpa are nocturnal animals that often nest in the hollows of white gum trees (wapunungka).

This story comes from a big hill called Mawurrji, west of Yuendumu and north of Pikilyi (Vaughan Springs).

A group of janganpa ancestors resided there, every night they would go out in search of food. Their hunting trips took them to Wirlki and Wanapirdi, where they found pamapardu (flying ants). They journeyed on to Ngarlkirdipini looking for water. A Nampijinpa women was living at Mawurrji with her two daughters. She gave her daughters in marriage to a Jupurrurla janganpa but later decided to run away with them. The Jupurrurla angrily pursued the woman. He tracked them to Mawurrji where he killed them with a stone axe. Their bodies are now rocks at this place. Warlpiri people perform a young mens initiation ceremony, which involves the Janganpa Jukurrpa. The Janganpa Jukurrpa belongs to Jakamarra/Jupurrurla men and Nakamarra/Napurrurla women. In Warlpiri paintings traditional iconography is used to represent this Jukurrpa. Janganpa tracks are often represented as ‘E’ shaped figures and concentric circles are used to depict the trees in which the janganpa live, and the sites at Mawurrji.

Please note: Original paintings on canvas are firmly wrapped around stretcher bars, also known as ‘stretched’. For any international shipments (outside of Australia), these paintings will be shipped unstretched and rolled to ensure their safe delivery. Pleasecontact us for any enquiries.

Additionally, this unique painting may also be available to purchase in-store. Should it be sold to an in-store buyer prior to an online sale, we will promptly contact you to arrange a refund and discuss alternative art options.