Ngalyipi, 2002 by Judy Watson Napangardi 91x91cm

Ngalyipi, 2002, by renowned Aboriginal artist Judy Watson Napangardi, encapsulates an important Dreaming story tied to the Napanangka/Napangardi kinship group. This piece centres around the ngalyipi (Tinospora smilacina), a sacred vine with deep practical and ceremonial significance for women in Central Australia.

Traditionally, ngalyipi was used as a strap to carry wooden bowls ( coolamons ) for gathering food or carrying babies. Its ceremonial role was particularly profound: the fibre was woven with human hair to create hairstring belts, which were spun during significant rituals, such as mourning ceremonies. After the death of a family member, women would cut and ritually cleanse their hair, spinning it into yarn to honour their loved ones.

Judy Watson Napangardi was born at Yarungkanji (Mt. Doreen Station) and spent much of her life travelling on foot with her family across her ancestral lands, including Mina Mina and Yingipurlangu, located at the border of the Tanami and Gibson Deserts. These regions, abundant in bush tucker like yakajirri (bush tomatoes), wanakiji (bush plums), and wardapi (sand goanna), provided sustenance for her nomadic lifestyle.

Judy was introduced to painting by her elder sister, Maggie Napangardi Watson, with whom she worked at Warlukurlangu Artists. Maggie's mentorship was instrumental in shaping Judy's artistic journey, helping her develop a distinctive style and focus on her unique totemic subjects, particularly the Mina Mina Dreaming.

Judy also shared a close bond with her cousin and sister, Dorothy Napangardi, another celebrated Warlpiri artist. This familial connection, rooted in Warlpiri kinship and care, played a significant role in her life and art.

Widely celebrated for her dynamic storytelling and energetic compositions, Judy Watson Napangardi earned recognition as one of Australia’s 50 most collectible artists in 2007 by Australian Art Collector magazine. Her works, which honour her culture and traditions, are held in major collections worldwide, solidifying her legacy as one of Australia’s most esteemed Aboriginal artists.

Ngalyipi, 2002, stands as a powerful testament to Judy’s connection to her heritage and her profound impact on contemporary Indigenous art.