Jack Dale

This painting features on page 99 of the monograph “Jack Dale Mengenen” by Jack Dale.
A Djunba is a form of commemorative dance that is traditional to Ngarinyin and other Wandjina people. The preparations include the construction of a screen made from tree branches and sheets of bark [the dance board]. The dancers paint and ornament their bodies with ochre, tassles and headdresses behind the screen in advance of a ritualised emergence before an eager and appreciative audience. The Djunba is then performed to the accompaniment of an orchestra sitting in front of the audience. Djunba dance and song continues to play an important role in the lives of the senior people who were also the backbone of the Kimberley cattle industry in its day.
The Wandjina taught people Djunba dance – Jack Dale.
The top left Djunba is Wutbinin, top centre is Djunba Wandjina, top right is Ngaldadiwurawudbunin.
Lower row shows Wandjinas who taught people the Djunba dance.