Lot 58

Papunya Tula Artists, Northern Territory (accompanied by the certificate of authenticity)
Private collection, Melbourne

"This painting depicts designs associated with the salt lake site of Wilkinkarra (Lake Mackay). In ancestral times a large group of Tingari Men visited this site on their travels towards the east. The men had previously visited the rockhole site of Winparku (Mt. Webb) further south. The concentric squares in this painting depict the soakage waters near Winparku, while the jagged lines represent the path of the Tingari men as they travelled towards Wilkinkarm. This design is also consistent with those used during rain making ceremonies. Since events associated with the Tingari Cycle are of a secret nature no further detail was given. Generally, the Tingari are a group of ancestral beings 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 were accompanied by novices, and their travels and adventures are enshrined in a number of song cycles. These ancestral stories form part of the teachings of the post initiatory youths today as well as providing explanations for contemporary customs."

As stated on the Papunya Tula Artists certificate of authenticity

© Nyilyari Tjapangati/Copyright Agency, 2026