Mina Mina Jukurrpa - Ngalyipi, 2013

Margaret Lewis Napangardi  

Mina Mina - Ngalyipi is a dream associated with the Mina Mina site which is an important ceremonial site for Warlpiri women. This site is located far east of Yuendumu near Lake Mackay near the border of the Western Territories. The guardians of this Dreamtime are the Napangardi / Napanangka women as well as the Japangardi / Japanangka men. This story tells of the journey of a group of women of all ages who traveled eastwards performing ceremonies, while gathering food and collecting Ngalyipi (serpent lianas). The women began their journey at Mina Mina where the "Karlangu" (stick which is used to dig or bury seeds) arose from the earth. With these instruments, the women traveled east creating the site of Janyinki as well as other sacred sites. Their journey has taken them beyond the borders of Warlpiri country. The Ngalyipi vine reaches the trunks and branches of trees called "Kurrkara" (desert oaks). The wavy lines that we can observe in this work represent this vine, sacred vine for the Napangardi and Napanangka women. This liana has many virtues and multiple uses, including medicinal. It is sometimes used as a ceremonial wrap, as a strap to carry wooden bowls filled with food or as a "tourniquet" to relieve headaches.