Bessie Nakamarra Sims / Flying Ant Dreaming

Artwork is accompanied by Warlukurlangu Artists (Yuendumu) Art Centre Certificate of Authenticity/Provenance

ARTWORK DESCRIPTION

Pamapardu is the Warlpiri name for the “flying ants” or termites, that build the large termite mounds,”Mingkirri”, found throughout Warlpiri country. After rains the ants emerge from their nests to fly to a new home. They subsequently discard their wings when they re-enter a mound. The ant grubs are eaten by goannas and collected by women for human consumption. The manner of representing the Dreaming is quite distinctive in this painting. The roundels indicate the mounds, the small marks represent the wings as well as the path of the Dreaming. The country associated with this Dreaming is Wilki, near Waputarli (Mount Singleton)and Wandungurru near Nyirrpi. Both Dreaming and country belong to Jakamarra/Jupurrurla subsection.