Kungarangkalpa (Seven Sisters)

The Seven Sisters, or Kungkarangkalpa, Creation story is of great significance to the Pitjantjatjara and Yankunytjatjara people.

The Sisters traveled long ago through the artist’s traditional country in South Australia’s Northwest, as well as the southwest corner of the Northern Territory. Chasing after them was Wati Niru, a trickster man who wanted to court one of them.

Using all kinds of trickery, he relentlessly pursued them, but they always managed to keep one step ahead through the skill of the eldest. The Sisters finally escaped together to a faraway place, safe from Wati Niru’s clutches. To this day, the seven stars of the Sisters can be seen in the night sky as the Pleiades constellation. They are followed by the bright star of Wati Niru, known as Orion.

Within the traditions of Tjukurpa or Creation Law are the codes of life survival skills. There is Kungkarangkalpa Inma, or ceremony, to teach and celebrate. Through this, people learn how to fit into the environment and social systems.

The Anangu feel strongly about continuing to teach and learn Tjukurpa. Their art is important and vital work. It sustains them economically, physically, and culturally, keeping their stories and traditions alive.

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