Parajulkuti (2006) by Barney Campbell Tjakamarra 122x61cm Cat 9505BC

The site depicted in this painting is Parajulkuti , an important sacred site associated with those of the Tjakamarra/Tjupurrurla skin groups towards the Western Australian border in the Northern Territory.

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 Tingari Cycle , particularly Malliera Ceremonies that are associated with it.

In this painting Barney has depicted the sites in which young boys were taken for their initiation ceremonies, known as Malliera 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.