Gracie Napangardi Johnson
The painting and story for the Wardapi Jukurrpa (Goanna dreaming, Varanus gouldii) comes from an area to the east of Yuendumu called Yarumayi, a place important for it ochre deposits and as a site for collecting ceremonial stones. The custodians of the Wardapi Jukurrpa are Nungarrayi and Napaljarri women and Jungarrayi and Japaljarri men.Â
In contemporary Warlpiri paintings traditional iconography is used to represent the Jukurrpa, particular sites and other elements. This Painting depicts Wardapi ancestors returning home to this sacred site. It tells also of the return of the custodians of this Dreaming to collect ceremonial stones that represent the Ngipiri (eggs) of the Wardapi ancestors in their ceremonies.
