Jugarda Dulcie Gibbs
Born about 1947, died 2011
Manyjilyjarra language group, Milangka skin group
Kunawarritji Community
Martumili Artists
Dulcie grew up in the country between Kunawarritji and Yimiri. After the death of her father at Karlamilyi (Rudall River), the family moved to the Jigalong in 1957. With her sisters Rita Simpson and Rosie Williams she returned to her country at Punmu in 1982. She now lives in Kunawarritji with her husband, children and grandchildren.
Minyipuru
2007, Jugarda Dulcie Gibbs, Mantararr Rosie Williams and Muni Rita Simpson
acrylic on linen, 300 x 125 cm
Martumili Artists
National Museum of Australia
Sisters Muni, Rosie and Dulcie grew up in the Country depicted in this painting. But it is the story of the Seven Sisters or Minyipuru, one of Martu women’s most important Jukurrpa narratives, which they have described here. In this story, the old man Yurla, who had been pursuing the sisters, captured one of the women at Pangkapini, between wells 35 and 36. The Minyipuru tricked him and rescued her.
Poor old fella, he had a rough time. He was trying and trying and trying.
The Minyipuru promised to stay with the old man Yurla but, when he returned from collecting wood, they were floating above his head, teasing him. Yurla made a ladder but the sisters pushed it over and laughed at him. When he collapsed, exhausted, they rescued their sister and flew away.
