Collection Online
Medium
enamel paint on composition board
Measurements
64.2 × 50.1 cm
Place/s of Execution
Papunya, Northern Territory
Inscription
inscribed in chalk on reverse u.c.: 19114 A
Accession Number
O.55-1987
Department
First Nations Australia
Credit Line
National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne
Purchased through The Art Foundation of Victoria with the assistance of North Broken Hill Pty Ltd, Fellow, 1987
© The Artist/Licensed by Aboriginal Artists Agency Limited
This digital record has been made available on NGV Collection Online through the generous support of The Vizard Foundation
Gallery location
Not on display
About this work

This work represents a story involving fire at Pirmalynga, a site of revelation in the Tingarri cycle. At this place, burning sparks and embers were thrown over the Tingarri novices who were ‘put into the fire’ as they came into camp from seclusion, under the guidance and direction of older men. The central circle may represent the cleared ceremonial ground, and the surrounding interconnected circles may indicate the men painting each other, and also refer to their body designs. The bold meander to the left indicates a sandhill, characteristic of the topography of the site.