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Yilyara

Yilyara is one of several frequently visited yinta (permanent springs) located in the Country immediately surrounding Punmu Aboriginal community. Yilyara is located immediately east of Nyayartakujarra (Lake Dora), a vast and culturally significant salt lake in the north east section of the Karlamilyi River (Rudall River) region. Surrounding the site are the permanent tali (sandhills) typical of the area. 


Yilyara also features as a site in two important Jukurrpa narratives, Jila Kujarra (Two Snakes) and Wirnpa. Jila Kujarra is one of the key Jukurrpa narratives for the Martu. Though the story belongs to Warnman people, it is shared across the Western Desert with several other language groups. The narrative centres on the travels of two snakes as they are pursued by the Niminjarra, spiritual ancestors of the Warnman people. Wirnpa is one of the most powerful of the ancestral jila (snake) men and the last to travel the desert during the Jukurrpa. Wirnpa is a rainmaking jila whose travels are described in the songs and stories of many language groups across the Western Desert, even those far removed from his home site. In his epic travels, Wirnpa created a series of different laws and ceremonies.

Name: Bianca Simpson


Language: Manyjilyjarra


Community: Punmu


Biography:

I was born in Parrngurr, Cotton Creek, in the old clinic there. I grew up there and then I moved to Punmu for a long time. I still live there in Punmu, but sometimes I come to all the communities.

My grandmother taught me to paint, Muni Rita Simpson. Then I tried my best to keep on painting. I paint about the Punmu waterholes like Wilarra, Rawa, Tiwa, Juntu - Juntu.

Sometimes I do work here at Martumili, stretch canvas, fill the colours, and sometimes help the oldies. 


© the artist / art centre