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Pirrkili

“We camped there, lots of water in that claypan. Old people camp, passing through, going to Karlamilyi. Warman people passing through. From this place they go to Mulunyjarra (rockhole)”

– Elizabeth Toby

Pirrkili is a claypan surrounded in all directions by permanent tali (sandhills), located east of Nyayartakujarra (Lake Dora) and south of Punmu Aboriginal Community. Linyji (claypans) such as Pirrkili were traditionally visited more often during the wantajarra (wet season) when they were filled with water. During the pujiman (traditional, desert dwelling) period, Martu would traverse very large distances annually in small family groups, moving seasonally from water source to water source, and hunting and gathering bush tucker as they went. At this time knowledge of water sources was critical for survival and today Martu Country is still defined in terms of the location and type of water. Each of the hundreds of claypans, rockholes, waterholes, soaks and springs found in the Martu desert homelands is known by name, location, quality and seasonal availability through real life experience and the reacounting of Jukurrpa (Dreaming) narratives.