111582226517

Published by on



Jarntinti

Mirrpurn is a large claypan at the southern end of Nyayartakujarra (Lake Dora), a large salt lake surrounded by tali (sand hills) within the Karlamilyi (Rudall River) region. During the pujiman (traditional, desert dwelling) era, Mirrpurn was primarily used as a camping site in the wantajarra (wet season), when the claypan filled with kapi (water). Other nearby water sources include Tarl, Kartuny, Wawul, Warnkarr, Jutupa, and Kunalimpi. 

Mirrpurn is also known as a site where kalaru (Samphire, salt bush) grows in abundance. In the pujiman era, the black kalaru seeds were seasonally harvested from this area. Once collected a labour intensive process began to produce damper, a type of flat bread. The kalaru seeds were first washed several times before being ground with a jiwa (stones used by women for grinding seeds) to make a type of flour, which was then mixed with water to create a dough that was finally cooked in the ashes of a fire.

Name: Damien Miller


Language: Manyjilyjarra


Community: Punmu


Biography:

I paint Karlamilyi and surrounding areas and all the claypans near my mothers country, Nancy Chapman. 


© the artist / art centre