Tiger Palpatja

Tiger was born out bush, and grew up in Ernabella (Pukatja) when it was a Presbyterian Mission. There he went to primary school and learnt to speak a little English. As a young man, his main job was shearing the sheep, and in all probability, shepherding work as well. His colleagues laugh and say that he was a “top gun shearer” in his time! Tiger also did fencing and stockyard work. (The Missionaries reported that although the shearing by the men was well done, lack of continuous practice meant no expertise was achieved. At one point the Mission had 5,000 sheep). Tiger started painting at Tjala Arts (formerly Minymaku Arts) in September 2004. Before coming to Tjala Arts, Tiger had never painted. He was better known for his punu (carved wooden objects), especially his spears. Tiger is also a Ngangkari or traditional healer and one of the few remaining elders that have strong ties to traditional culture. This is demonstrated in the images he paints – the Creation (Dreaming) Story associated with his country, Piltati, and how it was formed by the Wanampi (Rainbow or Water Snake) Ancestors. It took almost two years of coaxing by Sara Twigg-Patterson, the Manager, to convince Tiger to start painting. Sara then had to show Tiger how to use a brush, and apply paint onto the canvas. Sara said it was “one of those very rare, but special moments”. Once started, he hasn’t stopped! In early 2006 Tiger’s surname, Panpatja, was found to be incorrectly spelt. The correct spelling is Palpatja.