Lot 28

The work is in overall good condition consistent with age. All markings and textures appear inherent with artist's style, technique and medium and are likely from the time of creation. This work is unstretched.


The opinions expressed in the condition reports are a guide only and should not be treated as a statement of fact. Prospective buyers are encouraged to seek further information or request additional images during our pre-sale period where Leonard Joel staff are available for advice. Please note condition reports can be amended during the pre-sale period, so we strongly suggest any interested bidders check the published condition report available on the website before the auction commences. Leonard Joel makes no guarantee of the originality of mechanical or applied components. Absence of reference to such modifications does not imply that a lot is free from modifications.

Kayili Artists, Patjarr, Western Australia (accompanied by the certificate of authenticity)
Private collection, Adelaide

"The area depicted in this painting belongs to Tjatijarra's father and is where his grandfather and grandmother passed away. A number of important stories pass through the area which lies north of Blackstone. The central site, 'Walunya' was once a cooking ground used by the Kuukuku (Diamond Dove) people who lived there. One day two Kangaroo men and the lizard boy (Tundapila) they were looking after passed by the area and caused trouble. The two men, who were uncles for the boy, were full of strong magic and they encouraged the lizard boys mischief. He started a fight with the Kuukuku who called him names ("skinny legs") in return. The two uncles then used their magic to create fierce willy-willy's that began to surrounded the Kuukuku people who tried to run away. The willy-willy's joined up like a fence so that no-one could escape and turned into a tornado, lifting the Kuukuku up and flying them a long way to the west where they turned into a hill called Walu hill. The two Kangaroo uncles returned to the north east and took the lizard boy with them. They had such great powers that they didn't care about anything."

As stated on the Kayili Artists certificate of authenticity

© Arthur Tjatltjarra Robertson/Copyright Agency, 2026