Rockholes at Ungarla, 2001 by Dr George Tjapaltjarri 61x31cm

Rockholes at Ungarla, 2002 – Dr. George Tjapaltjarri

Rockholes at Ungarla, 2002 is a striking 61 x 31 cm painting by esteemed Pintupi artist and ngankari (traditional healer) Dr. George Tjapaltjarri. This work represents the sacred rockholes at Ungarla, an important ceremonial site where Malliera (post-initiation) ceremonies take place. As with many of Dr. George’s paintings, this piece is deeply tied to the Tingari cycle—one of the most significant Dreaming narratives in Pintupi culture.

Sacred Dreaming and the Tingari Cycle

The Tingari ancestors, powerful figures from the Dreamtime, traveled vast distances, performing rituals, shaping sacred landscapes, and passing down knowledge through songlines. These stories remain central to Pintupi teachings, with Rockholes at Ungarla capturing the essence of their journeys.

Due to the sacred and secretive nature of the Tingari cycle, only limited details can be shared. However, the painting symbolizes:

• The rockholes of Ungarla, a key site where Tingari men performed vital initiation ceremonies.
• The ceremonial body paint used during Malliera rites, reflected in the intricate linework and roundels.
• The spiritual and physical connection to the land, a fundamental aspect of Pintupi law and tradition.

Dr. George Tjapaltjarri – A Respected Ngankari and Keeper of Traditional Knowledge

As a highly initiated and revered ngankari , Dr. George was known for his healing abilities, recognized not only by traditional Pintupi people but also by medical professionals during the 1960s, when desert communities first made contact with the outside world. His art is deeply tied to his spiritual knowledge, often containing elements of healing and ancestral power.

A Contemporary Expression of Ancestral Wisdom

Rockholes at Ungarla, 2002 exemplifies Dr. George’s ability to translate sacred Dreaming stories into contemporary Indigenous Australian art. Through bold abstraction and symbolic minimalism, the painting conveys the profound spiritual depth and ceremonial significance of Ungarla’s landscape.

This piece stands as both a visually compelling artwork and an important testament to the enduring cultural traditions of the Pintupi people, making it a valuable addition to any collection of Aboriginal art.