Possum Dreamingby Maggi Napaljarri Ross
This artwork shares the Dreaming story of Janganpa (Brush Tail Possum). The possum travels all over Warlpiri country. Janganpa are nocturnal animals that often nest in the hollows of white gum trees. This story comes from a big hill called Mawurrji. A group of Janganpa ancestors resided there. Every night they would go out in search of food. Their hunting trips took them to Wirlki and Wanapirdi, where they found Flying Ants. They began in search of water at Ngarlkirdipini. A Nampijinpa woman was living at Mawurrji with her two daughters, she had promised her daughters for marriage to Jupurrurla Janganpa but changed her mind and fled. Jupurrurla chased after them and tracked them to Mawurrji where he killed them with a stone axe. Their bodies are now rock formations at this place. Warlpiri people perform men's initiation ceremonies which involve the Janganpa Jukurrpa.
Maggie Napaljarri Ross was born in the early 1940's at Conniston Station in Central Australia. As a young children her family relocated to Yuendumu Community, approximately 300km from Alice Springs in Central Australia. Like her older brother Paddy Japaljarri Stewart, she went on to teach at the Yuendumu School. Maggie is one of the oldest serving artists for Warlukurlangu Artists, having been painting with them since 1987 just a few short years after the art centre was opened.
Maggie's traditional country is in and around Yuendumu and includes the following sites Wakurlpa, Mt. Dennison, and Mt. Allen (Yuelamu). She is the custodian for several Dreamings like the Marlu (Kangaroo), Janmarda (Bush Onion), Janganpa (Possum), Warlawurru (Eagle) and Minypa (Native Fuschia). These Dreamings have been passed down through the generations of Maggie's family and relate to the land, it's sacred places and features including plants and animals.
Certificate of Provenance
Related Aboriginal Artwork
Aboriginal Culture Articles
Related Search Tags
Important copyright notice
The Copyright of all images and documentation remains with Sabine Haider. The Australian Copyright Act protects all artists from unauthorised copying by giving control over original works of art to the artist by law. However depending on the use proposed, Sabine Haider from Central Art – Aboriginal Art Store can facilitate reproduction of works with the permission of the artist as we have developed close relationships over the years with many individual painters and craftspeople.
Sign up for newsletter
Be notified of new exhibitions
Sign up for an Artist Alert for
Track your order
Would you like an Artwork Gift Card?
We can add an Artwork Gift Card to your purchase by clicking Add to Cart below.
Personalise your card with a message: