Rockholes at Ungarla, 2001 by Dr George Tjapaltjarri 149x75cm

Rockholes at Ungarla, 2001 by Dr. George Tjapaltjarri, 149 x 75 cm | A Captivating Vision of Ancestral Landscapes

Dr. George Tjapaltjarri’s Rockholes at Ungarla (2001) is a mesmerizing composition that invites the eye to travel across its rhythmic, shifting forms. The interplay of red roundels, like light and shadow, creates a dynamic visual effect—an evocative representation of the ceremonial landscapes of Ungarla, an important site where ancestral rituals and initiations take place. Located within the Gibson Desert, Western Australia, this rugged terrain is marked by underground caves and sacred rock formations, places deeply embedded in the spiritual and cultural identity of the Pintupi people.

There are multiple layers of meaning within this work, many of which are secret and sacred, reserved for initiated men. As a senior lawman, healer, and custodian of ancient knowledge, Dr. George Tjapaltjarri was highly respected for his vast cultural wisdom. Throughout his lifetime, he participated in countless ceremonies, ensuring the continuation of Tingari traditions, which remain central to Western Desert law and cosmology.

Tingari Cycle & Cultural Significance

As with all paintings related to the Tingari Cycle, many details remain restricted to initiated men. Broadly speaking, the Tingari were ancestral figures of the Dreaming (Creation) era, traveling across vast desert landscapes, performing rituals, and shaping the land itself. Their journeys are deeply embedded in ceremonial law and enshrined in sacred song cycles, passed down through generations.

At Pintalpura, an important site within the Tingari songlines, a large gathering of Tingari ancestors stopped to collect kampararpa(desert raisin, a native fruit) and purra, a potent antiseptic derived from red gum bark. The Tingari men traveled with novices, imparting sacred knowledge, while the Tingari women followed, playing an essential role in ceremonial life. These ancient traditions continue today, informing both the spiritual and everyday customs of the Pintupi people.

A Profound and Collectible Work

For collectors, Rockholes at Ungarla represents a rare and powerful acquisition, offering both aesthetic beauty and profound cultural depth. Dr. George Tjapaltjarri’s legacy as a painter, healer, and lawman is woven into every brushstroke, making this work an enduring testament to the strength and resilience of the Western Desert’s most sacred traditions.