Description
This particular site of the Yankirri Jukurrpa, (emu Dreaming [Dromaius novaehollandiae]) is at Ngarlikurlangu, north of Yuendumu. The “˜yankirri“’ travelled to the rockhole at Ngarlikurlangu to find water. This Jukurrpa story belongs to Jangala/Jampijinpa men and Nangala/Nampijinpa women. In contemporary Warlpiri paintings traditional iconography is used to represent the Jukurrpa, associated sites and other elements. Emus are usually represented by their “˜wirliya“’ (footprints), arrow-like shapes that show them walking around Ngarlikurlangu eating “˜yakajirri“’ (bush raisin [Solanum centrale]). In the time of the Jukurrpa there was a fight at Ngarlikiurlangu between a “˜yankirri“’ ancestor and Wardilyka (Australian bustard [Ardeotis australis]) ancestors over sharing the “˜yakajirri“’. There is also a dance for this Jukurrpa that is performed during initiation ceremonies.