Chainstitch Cushion Cover - Pauline Nampijinpa Singleton

Chainstitch Cushion Cover - Artwork by Pauline Nampijinpa Singleton

This parcular site of the Yankirri Jukurrpa, (emu Dreaming [Dromaius ovaehollandiae]) is at garlikurlangu, north of Yuendumu. The yankirri travelled to the rockhole at Ngarlikurlangu to find water. This Jukurrpa story belongs to Jangala/Jampijinpa men and Nangala/Nampijinpa women. In contemporary Warlpiri paintings tradional iconography is used to represent the Jukurrpa, associated sites and other elements. Emus are usually represented by their wirliya (footprints), arrow-like shapes that show them walking around Ngarlikurlangu yakajirri (bush raisin [Solanum centrale]). In the me of the Jukurrpa there was a fight at Ngarlikiurlangu between a yankirri ancestor and Wardilyka (Australian bustard [Ardeots australis]) ancestors over sharing the yakajirri. There is also a dance for this Jukurrpa that is performed during initation ceremonies.

Dimensions: 40cm square.
Materials: Wool (front), canvas (back), wooden buttons.

Designed in Australia. Chainstitched by hand in Kashmir, India.