Jacob Jukurrpa

Ngalyipi Jukurrpa (Snake Vine Dreaming) – Yanjirlpiri

The country associated with this « ngalyipi Jukurrpa » (snakevine Dreaming – Tinosspora smilacina) is located at Yanjirlpiri (meaning « star » in Warlpiri) (Mt. Nicker) to the west of Yuendumu. The « kirda » (owners) of this Dreaming are Napaljarri/nungarrayi women and Japaljarri/Jungarrayi men.

Ngalyipi (snakevine) is a green creeper that climbs up the trunks and branches of trees and shrubs. The plant is found on sandy spinifex plains and sandhills. Ngalyipi is frequently depicted in paintings due to its many uses and its great ceremonial importance. The vine can be used as a shoulder strap to carry « parraja » (coolamons) and « ngami » (water carriers). The plant also has a medicianl uses; its vines are used as tourniquets, and its leaves and vines are used as a bandages for wounds. Warlpiri sometimes also chew the leaves to trat severe colds. Ngalyipi stems can be pounded between stones and tied around the forehead to cure headaches. In men’s initiation, Ngalyipi is used to tie the « Witi » (ceremonial poles) to the shins of the dancing initiates, and to tie « yukurruyukurru » (dancing boards) to dancers’bodies. The Yanjirlpiri are for the sons and grandsons of Japaljarri and Jungarrayi men. Napaljarri and Nungarrayi women dance at these ceremonies, and then look away and block their ears when the men dance. This « Witi » ceremony is performed at night under the stars.

The importance of Yanjirlpiri cannot be overemphasized, as young boys are brought here to be initiated from as far away as Pitjantjatjara country to the south and from Lajamanu to the north. A number of major Dreaming tracks pass through Yanjirlpiri in addition to the Ngalyipi Jukurrpa, including « Karnta Jukurrpa (women’s Dreaming) and Wati Jarra Jukurrpa (two men Dreaming). Yanjirlpiri is also important due to its association with a major « Janganpa Jukurrpa »(brush-tailled possum – Trichosurus vulpecula Dreaming).