Original Art

This painting depicts one of many jurlpu (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 pirniny-pirninypa (black fronted dotterel and Ngatijirri (budgerigar). Others live in the spinifex country, like the nuwiyingki or panngarra (cockatiel). Still others make nests in trees, like the juwayikirdi (grey crowned babbler).

People hunt some of these species for meat. The most popular species to hunt today are the yankirri (emu) and wardilyka (bush turkey). People also used to hunt yupurru (spinifex pigeon) and ngapilkiri (crested pigeon), among others.

A number of bird species tell people messages – several species tell people when rain is coming, including the jintirr-jintirrpa (willy wagtail) and kalwa (crane). The cries of other birds, like the kirrkalanji (brown falcon) and ngamirliri (bush stone curlew), can make children sick. The pakupaku (crested bellbird) and kurlukuku (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 several different Jukurrpa (Dreaming) stories. Some are even associated with major ceremonies, including the Jardiwarnpa fire ceremony.

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.