ABORIGINAL DESERT ART  GALLERY

GEORGE YAPA YAPA TJANGALA

Born at Witingu close to Jupiter Well and present day Kiwirrkura probably in the late '40's or early '50's. He is the son of Anatjari Tjampitjinpa.

He spent his early years 'in the bush', living the traditional nomadic lifestyle. His group was sighted by government patrols in 1963. Later they heard from relatives about the new settlement at Papunya. Yapa Yapa walked in with his family in the early years of the settlement.

His first experience of painting was in the mid '70's, on UTA UTA and Charlie Tarawa's paintings. In 1980 he began painting in his own right. His traditional country lies around Kirrpinga, a large well site north of Kiwirrkura. His paintings depict the Eagle Hawk Dreaming and Tingari stories from this area and Wala Wala, another large waterhole outside of Kiwirrkura. In recent years he has lived in Kintore and Kiwirrkura with his two wives and four small children.

Collections: Victorian Museum.

TINGARRI CYCLE

by

GEORGE YAPA TJANGALA

The Tingarri stories recount the creation-time travel of a particular, important group of elders who taught ritual knowledge to initiates.

This painting depicts designs associated with the secret-sacred Tingari ceremonies.

Generally, the Tingarri are a group of mythical characters of the Dreaming, who travelled over vast stretches of the country, performing rituals, creating and shaping particular sites.

The Tingarri men are usually followed by Tingarri women and accompanied by novices and their travel and adventures are enshrined in a number of song cycles.

These mythologies form part of the teaching of the post initiate youths as well as providing explanations for contemporary customs.

Due to the secret and sacred elements, no further information may be obtained.