Wilma Napangardi Poulson Warlukurlangu Summer Showcase 21st January 2025 - 8th February 2025

< >
scroll to view further images of the above artwork
This painting depicts one of many ‘jurlpu' (bird) species that live around Yuendumu. The bush around Yuendumu provides many different habitats for birds to live in. Many bird species live around waterholes and rivers, like the 'pirniny-pirninypa' (black fronted dotterel [Elseyornis melanops]) and Ngatijirri (budgerigar [Melopsittacus undulates]). Others live in the spinifex country, like the 'nuwiyingki' or 'panngarra' (cockatiel Nymphicus hollandicus]). Still others make nests in trees, like the juwayikirdi (grey crowned babbler (Pomatostomus temporalis]). People hunt some of these species for meat. The most popular species to hunt today are the 'yankirri' (emu [Dromaius novaehollandiae]) and wardilyka' (bush turkey [Ardeotis australis]). People also used to hunt 'yupurru' (spinifex pigeon [Geophaps plumifera]) and 'ngapilkiri' (crested pigeon [Ocyphaps lophotes]), among others. A number of bird species tell people messages. Several species tell people when rain is coming, including the jintirr-jintirpa' (willy wagtail [Rhipidura leucophrys]) and 'kalwa' (crane). The cries of other birds, like the 'kirrkalanji' (brown falcon [Falco berigora]) and 'ngamirliri' (bush stone curlew [Burhinus grallarius]), can make children sick. The 'paku-paku' (crested bellbird [Oreoica gutturalis]) and 'kurlukuku' (diamond dove [Geopelia cuneata]) are messengers of love songs. People also use messages from birds to help them hunt. The juwayikirdi (grey crowned babbler Pomatostomus temporalis]) and piirn-piirnpa' (yellow throated miner [Manorina flavigula]) cry when goannas are nearby. People know to run quickly when these birds cry, so that they can catch the goannas. In Walpiri culture, ‘jurlpu’ (birds) are associated with a number of different ‘Jukurrpa’ (Dreaming) stories. Some are even associated with major ceremonies, including the Jardiwarnpa fire ceremony.
Artwork In Situ

Artwork to scale in-situ on 3.7m wall

Part of the Warlukurlangu Summer Showcase Exhibition

More from this exhibition

Other pieces by Wilma Napangardi Poulson in stockroom