Description
Japaljarri/Jungarrayi men and Napaljarri/Nungarrayi
women are the ‘kirda’ (custodians) of the Ngalyipi Jukurrpa
(snake vine [Tinospora smilacina]). The country associated
with this Jukurrpa is at Yanjirlpiri (Mt. Nicker) to the west
of Yuendumu. ‘Ngalyipi’ is a green creeper which curls its
tendrils around the trunks and branches of trees and has
many uses. Traditionally it was used as a strap to carry
‘parraja’ (wooden food carrying dishes), as a cure for
headaches (it was wrapped very tightly around the head), as
a rope and as a ceremonial wrap during the ‘witi’ ceremony
for the initiation of the sons and grandsons of the Japaljarri
and Jungarrayi men. ‘Ngalypi’ was also used to tie ‘witi’
(ceremonial) poles to the legs of the young initiates. The
women danced and sang at the ceremony and then had to
look away and block their ears when the men danced. The
‘witi’ ceremony happened at night under the stars.
