Malliera Ceremony (2006) by Barney Campbell Tjakamarra 91x76cm Cat 9666BC

A senior law man and revered elder, Barney Campbell Tjakamarra is an internationally renowned artist. One of the main subject depicted in Barney’s paintings is that of the Malliera Ceremonies pertaining to the Tingari Cycle.

In this painting Barney has depicted the sites in which young boys were taken for their initiation ceremonies. Since events associated with the Tingari Cycle are of a secret and sacred nature few details are given. The Tingari are a group of men of the Dreaming creation era, who travelled over vast stretches of the country, performing rituals and creating and shaping particular sites. The Tingari men were accompanied by novices and usually followed by Tingari Women. Their travels and adventures are enshrined in the song cycles. These legends form part of the teachings of the post-initiatory youths today, as well as providing explanations for contemporary customs.