TJULYATA KULYURU - TJUKULA (WATERHOLES)

TJULYATA KULYURU
TJUKULA (WATERHOLES), 2024
25.5h x 14.5w cm
Stoneware
 
PROVENANCE
Ernabella Arts, SA Cat no #684C-24
Art Leven, Gadigal
 
STORY 
As described by Ernabella Arts COA, "For the Pitjantjatjara people living in the desert, knowledge of their water sources was critical to their survival. This resulted in an intimate understanding of the landscape which continues today. Water is an essential element in the desert. These rock holes were particularly important during the dry season when most of the water holes and creeks dried up. Deep familiarity with the topography of their country and the way rain would interact with the land ensured constant sources of water could be found. Knowledge of rock hole sites is passed on from generation to generation and revered by all Anangu (people).
 
Tjukula means rock-holes, which are found with surprising frequency in the Musgrave Ranges and country around Ernabella. Between visits, Anangu would use a construction ofrocks and spinifex to guard these important water sources from spoilage by feral and stock animals such as cattle, camels, horses and donkeys."