Rockholes at Ungarla, 1999 by Dr George Tjapaltjarri 198x61cm Cat 3399DG

The subject represented in this painting by Dr George is a portion of the highly significant Dreaming event of the Tingari Cycle . The site is Ungarla, west of Kiwirkurra and Pintalpura (Jupiter Well) in the Gibson Desert of Western Australia, the artist's traditional country and where the Tingari men performed highly significant Malliera (young men's initiation) ceremonies.

The yellow and white roundels set against the black background symbolize the many rockholes and rocky outcrops of the terrain surrounding Ungarla where the ritual dance, ceremonies and body painting are performed.

The dividing dotted white line on red is the ceremonial fire sticks carried by the Tingari men during ceremonies that is used to burn the country as part of the caring for land. The dotted white and yellow creating the illusion of the roundel shape represent the ceremonial fire sticks and the stages of the burning of the spinifex across the landscape.

The work represents a combination of the physical landscape of Ungarla and Pintalpura plus the ochre used for the body designs associated with the Tingari Cycle .

Since events associated with the Tingari Cycle are of a secret and sacred nature few details are given. Generally, 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.