Emu Dancing by Margaret Nangala Gallagher

Margaret Nangala Gallagher was born in 1967 in Alice Springs/Yuendumu. She is the daughter of Pauline Napangardi Gallagher. She paints with her mother and learnt to paint watching her mother and other people in the community painting. Margaret paints her Yankirri Jakurrpa (Emu) from her father’s side and this Jukurrpa story belongs to Jangala/Jampijinpa men and Nangala/Nampijinpa women. 

In contemporary Warlpiri paintings, traditional iconography can be used to represent the Jukurrpa, associated sites, and other elements. ‘Yankirri’ (emu) are usually represented by arrow-like shapes depicting their ‘wirliya’ (footprints) as they walk around.

There is also a dance for this ‘yankirri’ (emu) Jukurrpa that is performed during mens’ initiation ceremonies. A number of other Jukurrpa are also located at Ngarlikirlangu.

10% of the purchase price of this Headsox design goes directly to the Artist.

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