Nankatji Josephine Nangala
Born about 1950
Kukatja, Manyjilyjarra language groups, Nangala skin group
Kiwirrkurra Community
Papunya Tula Artists
Josephine grew up travelling with her family between Nyirla, her traditional Country, and the Canning Stock Route. After a helicopter took her sick aunt and brother-in-law to Balgo Mission from Natawalu (Well 40) in 1957, Josephine and her family followed on foot. With her husband Charlie Wallabi Tjungurrayi, she later moved to Kiwirrkurra community where she raised a family.
Marapinti
2008, by Josephine Nangala
acrylic on canvas, 90×61 cm
Papunya Tula Artists
National Museum of Australia
Marapinti is a rock hole west of Kiwirrkurra, and the easternmost point on the Seven Sisters’ journey across Martu Country. As they travelled, singing and dancing towards Pintupi Country, the Minyipuru created waters and landforms. On reaching Marapinti, they pierced their noses, a practice known as marapinti. Today the Minyipuru can be seen there as a group of rocks, sitting up like women.
