Puli Mankurpa (Three Rocks)

Nyangatja puli Ulurunya, nganampa ngura Tjukurpa pulka tjara. Kala painting tjuta palyalpai-amilapai Culture Centre-ngka, minga tjuta nganampa nguraku nintiringkula kulintjaku.

‘This is the rock known as Uluru, our home with its powerful law. We do our paintings at the Culture Centre so tourists can learn about our country, understand, and respect it.’

In this painting, the artist has depicted the three prominent land formations of the central desert region: Uluru (Ayers Rock), Kata Tjuta (The Olgas), and Atila (Mt Conner). They represent puli mankurpa (three rocks). The artist illustrates the landforms in a way similar to an aerial map, demonstrating their intricate knowledge of the land walked by the Ancestors.

From a very young age, children learn from their grandparents and parents as they share stories using the fine red sand of the desert as a canvas to illustrate and explain their teachings. These stories and images inspire their art, and Anangu take pride in not only making a living for themselves and their families through it but also in educating their own children.

Within the traditions of Tjukurpa or Creation Law are coded life survival skills. There are inma (ceremonies) associated with each story to teach and celebrate, helping people learn where they fit within both environmental and social systems. Anangu are deeply committed to continuing the teaching and learning of Tjukurpa, and their art is vital work that sustains them economically, physically, and culturally, keeping their stories and traditions alive.

Walkatjara Art is the Aboriginal-owned and governed art center belonging to the Mutitjulu community, located in the Uluru-Kata Tjuta National Park, NT.

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