Rocky Outcrops at Ungarla, 2002 by Dr George Tjapaltjarri 41x41cm, 7247DG

Rocky Outcrops at Ungarla, 2002 by Dr. George Tjapaltjarri

A Sacred Dreaming Story from the Tingari Cycle

Dr. George Tjapaltjarri’s Rocky Outcrops at Ungarla is a powerful representation of a highly significant Dreaming event within the Tingari Cycle, a sacred narrative deeply embedded in Pintupi culture. The painting depicts Pintalpura (Jupiter Well) in the Gibson Desert, Western Australia, an important ceremonial site where Tingari men performed Malliera (young men’s initiation) ceremonies.

Symbolism and Cultural Significance

The white roundels set against the deep black background symbolize the rocky outcrops surrounding Ungarla, capturing both the physical landscape and the spiritual essence of the land. This contemporary, minimalist depiction by Dr. George Tjapaltjarri reflects:

• The rugged terrain of Ungarla, a landscape shaped by ancestral Dreaming figures.
• The ceremonial use of ochre, which is applied to initiates during sacred Tingari rites.
• The interplay between the physical world and spiritual law, an essential aspect of Pintupi cultural traditions.

The Secret and Sacred Tingari Cycle

Due to the sacred and secretive nature of the Tingari Cycle, only limited details can be disclosed. However, the Tingari ancestors, revered figures from the Dreaming era, traveled vast distances, performing rituals, shaping sacred sites, and passing down knowledge through song cycles.

At Pintalpura, the Tingari men gathered vital bush resources, including kampararpa (desert raisin) and purra (a potent antiseptic derived from red gum bark), essential for both sustenance and traditional Pintupi healing practices. Novices accompanied the Tingari men, while Tingari women followed, ensuring the continuation of sacred customs.

The song cycles of the Tingari preserve these ancestral journeys, passing down ceremonial teachings, spiritual laws, and cultural wisdom to new generations. Today, these stories remain integral to post-initiation education, reinforcing the laws and traditions of the Pintupi people.

A Contemporary Expression of Ancestral Knowledge

With Rocky Outcrops at Ungarla , Dr. George Tjapaltjarri masterfully blends sacred storytelling with contemporary Indigenous Australian art, using bold abstraction and symbolic minimalism to depict the spiritual and physical essence of this sacred landscape.

This painting stands as a powerful testament to Pintupi cultural heritage, offering both aesthetic beauty and profound spiritual depth.