![Australian Indigenous (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) artwork by JIMMY DONEGAN of Ninuku Arts. The title is Wati Kutjara Wanampi. [15-73] (Acrylic on Linen)](https://media.redotgallery.com/stockroom/gallery/w/artwork/j/wati-kutjara-wanampi-3559-LARGE-1.webp)
JIMMY DONEGAN (dec)
Wati Kutjara Wanampi15-73
Acrylic on Linen
Wati Kutjara Wanampi | 15-73
Acrylic on Linen
153 x 122cm | 60.24 x 48.03in
Find Out More
Jimmy paints the Tjukurpa (Dreaming story) from an important waterhole site known as Pukara, south-west of Irrunytju (Wingellina) in Western Australia. It is a story of Wati Kutjara Wanampi (two male water serpents) - a father and son - who are living at Pukara. According to the story, Anangu tjuta (lots of people) went to that waterhole for the kapi (water), which is said to taste sweet due to the Kaliny-kalinypa found at the site. This upsets the father Wati Wanampi and he told them to go back to their own country. Once the people left, the father and son travelled to Willuna, where they camped for weeks. They then return to Pukara.
One day when they were sleeping, they were awoken by a loud buzzing sound. The Minyma Punpunpa (the female flies) had been attracted to the honey grevillea plants found near the waterhole and were making lots of noise as they buzz around the honey bush. It prompted the father and son to get up and collect honey from the plants. While they were collecting, the Wati Mututa (male black ants) appeared and speared the son in his side. The young son started spitting and spits out the yellow and orange seeds of all the different varieties of honey grevillea plants that are still found at the site today. They include Kaliny-kalinypa, Ultukunpa, Piruwa and Witjinti.