Pirlinyanu - Rockhole Dreaming, 2009 by Julie Nangala Robertson 122x122cm Cat 13379JR

Pirlinyanu is a significant site that is part of the Water Dreaming ( Ngapa Jukurrpa) as it travels through the Tanami Desert, west of Yuendumu and towards the WA border.

Julie Nangala Robertson, winner of the 2023 Telstra Aboriginal Art Award in Best Painting Category, using an aerial perspective has painted the spots where deep rock holes nestle into the sides of this important rocky outcrop in Warlpiri country.

Ownership of his rocky country with its significant waterholes and plentiful bush tucker is passed down from the father (patrilineal) and ritual knowledge is passed on from auntie to niece (father’s sisters). In this case it is those of the Nampijinpa and Nangala sub-section groups.

The eldest of the five daughters of Dorothy Napangardi Robinson has recently changed the spelling of her surname to Robertson, feeling that her father, Windy, had misspelt it as Julie's other relatives in Yuendumu are all Robertson. Windy had two wives, Rene Robinson and Dorothy Robinson.