TINGARI CEREMONIES AT WILKINKARRA (LAKE MACKAY), 2003
Johnny Yungut Tjupurrula
synthetic polymer paint on linen
182.0 x 152.0 cm
inscribed verso: artist's name, size and Papunya Tula Artists cat. JY030850
Papunya Tula Artists, Alice Springs
Private collection, New South Wales
This painting is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from Papunya Tula Artists, Alice Springs, which states: 'This painting depicts designs associated with Tingari Ceremonies at Wilkinkarra (Lake Mackay). In mythological times a large group of Tingari Men travelled to this site in the south to perform ceremonies. The Tingari mens travels started at Wala Wala. From here the men travelled east to Kiwirrkura, then to Tjangimanta and onto Wilkinkarra. Since events associated with the Tingari Cycle are of a secret nature no further details were given.
Generally, the Tingari are a group of mythical characters 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 accompanied by novices and their travels and adventures are enshrined in a number of song cycles. These mythologies form part of the teaching of the post initiatory youths of today as well as providing explanations for contemporary customs.'