Description
This particular site of the Yankirri Jukurrpa, (emu Dreaming
[Dromaius novaehollandiae]) is at Ngarlikurlangu, 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 traditional 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 eating ‘yakajirri’ (bush raisin
[Solanum centrale]). In the time of the Jukurrpa there was a
fight at Ngarlikiurlangu between a ‘yankirri’ ancestor and
Wardilyka (Australian bustard [Ardeotis australis])
ancestors over sharing the ‘yakajirri’. There is also a dance
for this Jukurrpa that is performed during initiation
ceremonies.
