PADDY JAPALJARRI SIMS - YANJIRLPIRRI JUKURRPA (STAR DREAMING)

 PADDY JAPALJARRI SIMS
YANJIRLPIRRI JUKURRPA (STAR DREAMING),  2007
183 x 91 cm
synthetic polymer paint on linen
 
PROVENANCE
Yuendumu, NT
Warlukurlangu ArtistsCoo-ee Aboriginal Art GalleryAccompanied by a Warlukurlangu Certificate. 
 
STORY
This painting tells of the journey of Japaljarri and Jungarrayi men who travelled from Kurlurngalinypa (near Lajamanu) to Yanjirlypirri (west of Yuendumu) and then on to Lake Mackay on the West Australian border. Along the way they performed Kurdiji (initiation ceremonies) for young men. Women also danced for the Kurdiji. The site depicted in this canvas is Yanjirlypiri (Star) where there is a low hill and a water soakage. The importance of this place cannot be overemphasised as young boys are brought here to be initiated from as far as Pitjanjatjara country to the south and Lajamanu to the north. The men wear Jinjirla (white feather headdresses), during the ceremony, on either side of their heads. They also wear wooden carvings of stars which are also laid out on the ground as part of the sand paintings produced for business. Ngalyipi (snake vine), here shown as long curved lines, is used to tie Witi (ceremonial spears) vertically to the shins of the dancing initiates. These Witi are shown as long straight lines. The white circles depict Yanjirlpirri (stars).
 
EXHIBITED
Vivid Visions, July 2007, Coo-ee Art GalleryWarmun and Central Desert, June 2007, Coo-ee Art GalleryDesert Art, March 2006, Woodworks Gallery Bungendore