TJULYATA KULYURU - TJUKULA (WATERHOLES)

TJULYATA KULYURU
TJUKULA (WATERHOLES),  2024
149 X 100 cm
acrylic on linen
 
REGION
Anangu Pitjantjatjara Lands, SA
 
PROVENANCE
Ernabella Arts, SA
Art Leven, NSW
 
STORY
For the Pitjantjatjara people living in the desert, knowledge of their water sources was critical to their survival. This resulted in an intimate understanding of the landscape which continues today. Water is an essential element in the desert. These rock holes were particularly important during the dry season when most of the water holes and creeks dried up. Deep familiarity with the topography of their country and the way rain would interact with the land ensured constant sources of water could be found. Knowledge of rock hole sites is passed on from generation to generation and revered by all Anangu (people).

Tjukula means rock-holes, which are found with surprising frequency in the Musgrave Ranges and country around Ernabella.
Between visits, Anangu would use a construction of rock sand spinifex to guard these important water sources from spoilage by feral and stock animals such as cattle, camels, horses and donkeys.
 
ARTIST PROFILE
TJULYATA KULYURU