Malliera Ceremonies, 2000 by Dr George Tjapaltjarri 91x91cm

Malliera Ceremonies, 2000 – Dr George Tjapaltjarri (91x91cm)

Sacred Initiation and the Tingari Cycle in Bold Red Linework

Dr George Tjapaltjarri’s Malliera Ceremonies, 2000 is a striking visual representation of Tingari ceremonial traditions, featuring bold red lines symbolising the ritual body paint applied to initiates. These markings, associated with scarification and ceremonial decoration, are a powerful testament to the artist’s deep cultural knowledge and connection to the sacred law of the Western Desert.

The Tingari Cycle, an ancient and sacred Dreaming narrative, remains shrouded in secrecy. It chronicles the journeys of the Tingari ancestors, who shaped the landscape through their song cycles, embedding sacred knowledge into the land and the traditions passed down to post-initiatory youths. Malliera Ceremonies represent the first stage of a lifetime commitment to traditional law, guiding young men through the teachings that define their role within the community.

As a highly collectible work by one of the Western Desert’s most respected artists, this painting is a significant addition to any collection of Indigenous Australian art, offering both aesthetic impact and profound cultural depth.

Explore the sacred traditions of the Tingari through this extraordinary work by Dr George Tjapaltjarri.

Curators Note: The red in the painting is not quite as bright as in the photo. It is a rich red ochre colour in reality