Salt on Mina Mina 2008, etching by Dorothy Napangardi

Date: 2008
Catalogue: DN-25
Edition of 50
Image Size: 50 cm x 39 cm
Paper Size: 76 cm x 56 cm
Paper: Magnani pescia
Editioning sequence: 2 colours, black, white.
Medium: Etching
Printer: Clinton Barker for Basil Hall Editions, Darwin, NT
Publisher: Gallery Gondwana

This magnificent etching by Dorothy Napangardi depicts a major women’s ceremonial site known as Mina Mina, the artist’s custodial country, located near Lake Mackay in the Tanami Desert, north of Yuendumu in the Northern Territory. During the Jukurrpa Ancestral women of the Napangardi and Napanangka sub-section groups (aunt/niece relationship, in which knowledge is passed from one to the other) gathered to collect ceremonial digging sticks ( karlangu ) that had emerged from the ground. They then proceeded east, performing rituals of song and dance, to the place known as Jankinyi. A large belt of trees ( Allocasuarina decaisneana ) now stand where these digging sticks once were.

Topographically, the sacred site of Mina Mina is made up of two enormous soakage areas that, rarely filled with water, exist as clay-pans. As water soaks into the ground small areas of earth dry out and lift at the edges, becoming delineated by salt. In this striking design of white dotting Dorothy depicts the crustations of salt stretching infinitely onward, etched with the tracks of the women as their paths stretch on, crossing and merging; telling their stories.

Curator's note:
Along with every purchase we are offering a free copy of the book titled: Honouring And Remembering The Art And Life Of Dorothy Napangardi