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Lappi Lappi Jukurrpa

Antonia Napangardi Michaels
Synthetic Polymer on Linen
152.5 x 91.5 cm
Warlukurlangu Artists
WLU05-23

$2,450.00

The subject of this work is Lappi Lappi, a rock hole near Lake Hazlett, about 90 kilometres north-west of Lake Mackay in Western Australia. The country belongs to Nampijinpa/Jampijinpa and Nangala/Jangala skin groups. Located in a sheltered basin, the rock hole at Lappi Lappi is a permanent source of water, and is surrounded by country rich in bush tucker. In the time of the Jukurrpa many mothers with young children would gather there because it was a safe place to stay. The rock hole at Lappi Lappi is home to a warnayarra, a rainbow serpent that travels underground between various rock holes. One day, women were gathered at the rock hole with their children, singing and dancing. When the warnayarra heard the sound of voices, it travelled silently towards them, under the water. When it reached the edge of the rock hole, it rose out of the water and ate them all.

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.

 

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