Our Culture
We refer to ourselves as Aṉangu (people), and we are the traditional owners of Uluru Kata Tjuta. Our culture is alive and powerful.
Tjukurpa is the foundation of Aṉangu life and society. It refers to the ‘creation period,’ when our ancestors shaped the world and established the laws for our people. Tjukurpa is our way of seeing and understanding the world—past, present, and future. It connects us to Country and to each other. We pass on our Tjukurpa through storytelling and inma (ceremonial song and dance) to the next generations.
We draw our stories in the sand, carve traditional designs into objects such as shields, and make ceremonial body paint from ochres, charcoal, and ash. These days, we also use contemporary materials like acrylic paint and canvas to document and share our stories. Our art keeps our culture strong.
Rolly and Alwyn performing Kuniya Inma at NAIDOC Week 2016 from Walkatjara Art on Vimeo.
