Karen Napaljarri Barnes

Ngalkirdi is the Warlpiri name for Witchetty Grubs, edible larva found in the roots of the Witchetty Tree (Acacia Kempeana). The country pf the dreaming is Kunajarrayi (Mt Nicker) where the grubs, considered a delicacy, are plentiful. In the painting Ngarlkirda are depicted having emerged from their holes (ngulya) and flown away (this stage is called yiribi) as larva (ngarlkirdi) and as the eggs (yipilka). Kirda (owners) of the Dreaming are Japaljarri and Jungarrayi men and Napaljarri and Nungarrayi women. This painting is Karen’s very first painting.