Description
The country associated with this Jukurrpa is Mina Mina, a
place far to the west of Yuendumu, which is significant to
Napangardi/Napanangka women and
Japangardi/Japanangka men. All of them are the custodians
of the Jukurrpa that created the area. The Jukurrpa story
tells of the journey of a group of women of all ages who
travelled to the east gathering food, collecting ‘ngalyipi’
(snake vine [Tinospora smilacina]) and performing
ceremonies as they travelled. The women began their
journey at Mina Mina where ‘karlangu’ (digging sticks)
emerged from the ground. Taking these implements the
women travelled east creating Janyinki and other sites.
Their journey took them far to the east beyond the
boundaries of Warlpiri country. The ‘ngalyipi’ vine grows up
the trunks and limbs of the ‘kurrkara’ (desert oak
[Allocasuarina decaisneana]) trees. ‘Ngalyipi’ is a sacred
vine to Napangardi and Napanangka women that has many
uses. It can be used as a ceremonial wrap, as a strap to
carry ‘parrajas’ (wooden bowls) that are laden with bush
tucker and as a tourniquet for headaches.
