Yankirri Jukurrpa (Emu Dreaming) - Ngarlikirlangu - Margaret Gallagher Nangala

This particular site of the Yankirri Jukurrpa, (emu Dreaming [Dromaius novaehollandiae]) is at Ngarlikurlangu, north of Yuendumu. The "yankirri' travelled to the rockhole at Ngarlikurlangu to Þnd water. This Jukurrpa story belongs to Jangala/Jampijinpa men and Nangala/Nampijinpa women.

In contemporary Warlpiri paintings traditional iconography is used to represent the Jukurrpa, associated sites and other elements. Emus are usually represented by their "wirliya' (footprints), arrow-like shapes that show them walking around Ngarlikurlangu eating "yakajirri' (bush raisin [Solanum centrale]). In the time of the Jukurrpa there was a Þght at Ngarlikiurlangu between a "yankirri' ancestor and Wardilyka (Australian bustard [Ardeotis australis]) ancestors over sharing the "yakajirri'. There is also a dance for this Jukurrpa that is performed during initiation ceremonies.