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Wira (digging bowl)

$750.00

Margaret Donegan
iṯaṟa (river red gum)
40 x 11 x 9 cm
Maruku Arts
MAR04-25

The wira is a smaller version of the piti or wooden bowl which is a traditional woman’s carrying vessel for food and water. It is used in many ways including as a ladle for collecting water and for digging with. Contemporary artists use walka, patterns burnt into the wood with wire heated on a wood fire. These relate to Tjukurpa, stories about the Tjukuritja or Creation Ancestors and their activities which shaped the land, the people and their law. Many of the details of Tjukurpa are restricted to senior custodians so it is not possible to describe the full story behind the walka.

Desert Mob is presented annually in Mparntwe | Alice Springs on Arrernte Country.

On behalf of Desart’s staff and art centre members, the Executive Committee humbly and respectfully acknowledge the Arrernte Apmereke Artweye (Traditional Owners) and Kwertengerle (Traditional Managers) of Mparntwe.

 

Desart respectfully advises Aboriginal readers that this website may contain names, images and artworks of people who have passed away.