Liddy Walker

The mail motif of this painting depicts the Wakirlpirri (Dogwood – Acacia coriacea) tree. Wakirlirri is a very useful tree that grows on the sides of creek beds and near Mulga trees. The seeds can be eaten raw or they can be cooked on the fire and a deliciously sweet drink called Yinjirrpi is made from the seeds when they have been dried. The wood can be used to make Karli wood for burning on the fire – rain cannot extinguish burning Wakirlpirri wood. In contemporary Warlpiri paintings traditional iconography is used to represent Jukurrpa, particular sites and other elements. The Jukurrpa travels from Jarrarda-Jarrayi through to Puturlu (Mount Theo) west of Yuendumu. This Jukkurrpa belongs to Japanangka and Japangardi men, and Napanangka and Napangardi women.