Mangkaja is a white bird from the Dreamtime, similar to an owl. He travels by night, and wherever he lands, a waterhole appears, known as Mangkaja Kura.
This story has also been translated into textile form (Mangkaja Design), with one of these works held in the State Art Collection at the Art Gallery of Western Australia.
Internationally acclaimed artist Jimmy Pike was born circa 1940, east of Japirnka, an important waterhole in the Great Sandy Desert. He grew up living a traditional life, learning the Law of his Walmajarri ancestors. As he and his family travelled through the desert on foot, Jimmy was taught knowledge passed down through generations: the names of waterholes, animals, birds, and plants, along with their stories, cultural significance, and uses.
He lived a fully traditional lifestyle, moving between waterholes, participating in ceremonies, learning hunting skills, and understanding the seasonal cycles of bush foods.
