Pampila Hansen Boxer
Born about 1941
Walmajarri language group, Jawanti skin group
Broome
Yulparija Artists, Short Street Gallery
Pampila was born on the banks of the Fitzroy River on Old Cherrabun station where he worked as a stockman from the age of 12. In 1989 he acquired a 99-year lease on a small parcel of land on Old Cherrabun Station where he and other families established Yakanarra Community. In 2008 Pampila was taught the dance for Kaningarra, his father’s Country.
2007, by Pampirla Hansen Boxer
ochre and fibre on pigmented wood, 77x20x22 cm
Yulparija Artists, Short Street Gallery
National Museum of Australia
This carved head represents one of the dancers from Majarrka juju. The juju (song and dance) for Majarrka is based on the true story of Wurtuwaya (Yanpiyarti Ned Cox’ grandfather) and Wirrali (Mayarn Julia Lawford’s grandfather). While travelling near Paruku, the two men discovered their Majarrka totem stolen by a group of dancers who were performing a ceremony in tall headdresses like this one. When they were finished, the two bosses snuck in and stole back their sacred Majarrka totem.
