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Kapi Tjukurla (Tjukurla Rock holes)

Kapi Tjukurla is a sacred women’s site where the sisters came to drink water from the rock hole. Knowledge of where to find Kapi Tjukurla was handed down through generations as it is a significant source in times of drought.

The kapi across the lands vary in size from as large as a car to as small as a deep kitchen sink. They can be found buried in the flat rock surface on the ground, at the bottom of a waterfall or among the ranges where there is an expanse of flat rock surface. Yarnangu kept these rock holes clear of dirt build up, dead animals and debris so the water can remain drinkable. These rock holes are still only used specifically for drinking and cooking when people go out on country. 

The circles in the painting represent Kapi Tjukurla. The lines connecting the circles are the creeks, streams or paths the water takes when it rains.

Categories: Papulankutja Artists

Name: Heather Unganyi Watson


Language: Pitjantjatjara


Community: Wingellina


Biography:

Heather Unganyi Watson Born at  Aliwanyawanyu rock hole, the place of the Ngintaka tjukurpa (perentie lizard creation story), Heather has a special responsibility to look after the Ngintaka story and has markings on her body that signify the Ngintaka. Heather belongs to the Pitjantjatjara language and cultural group and was the second wife of Tjuruparu Geoffrey Watson, a highly respected senior law man and a founding artist for Irrunytju Arts. Heather’s paintings reflect stories of her birth place and the time she spent with her husband living a semi nomadic lifestyle.

“That place of Wati Ngintaka Tjukurpa (Goanna Man Dreaming) that’s where I was born. There was no nurse and we had no car. Just my mother and father. They walked with me to Ernabella when I was a tiny tiny baby.”


© the artist / art centre