Minyma Kutjara (Two women) is one of the most important women’s creation stories of the Western and Southern deserts and a special story for Irrunytju. It tells the story of the difficult journey of two sisters who travelled throughout these vast lands. The story is one that has been told many times through dance and painting.

The places where the sisters travelled and rested can be traced through the desert, their actions often created landmarks, rock-holes and mountain ranges. Near Irrunytju the sisters sat on two hills and made hair belts in preparation for important women’s business. They threw their wana (digging stick) creating the rockhole here.

They travelled to an area known as Mantaruta, near Uluru, where they had an encounter with a curious water snake (wanampi). They chased him deep into the ground trying to catch him. They burned their body hair to attract him and hit him on the head and ran away. From afar they threw a traditional head ring (manguri) which also hits him. Then he came and in revenge hit them all over. They continued their journey, bleeding and hurt, but triumphant.

This work is from Kutjara Minyma Arts Project — an Aboriginal arts centre in the remote community of Irrunytju (Wingellina), ten kilometres from where the borders of Western Australia, the Northern Territory and South Australia meet. Artist initated and led, Minyma Kutjara is a proud celebration of community and Country, a place for artists to learn, explore, create and share culture.

Read about the fascinating history of Minyma Kutjara here. 

Joylean ROBERTS (2000 - )
'Minyma Kutjara' 2023
acrylic on canvas
Image Size: 71 x 44 cm
Dimensions: 71 x 44 cm

Comes with a Certificate of Authenticity from Minyma Kutjara Arts Project 

Condition: Excellent

© The Artist or Assignee