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Watiku Tjukurpa is sacred and restricted men’s Law, referred to today as ‘Men’s Business’ and as heavily guarded and honoured now as it has always been. According to his Law, Jim reveals no more than the names of sites along the route of this Law cycle. The men travel though Kaltukatjara (Docker River), Tjukurla, Walungurru (Kintore), Pinari, Mitukatjirri and Pirmal. Jim sometimes includes the sites of Uluru and Kata Tjuta.

For the traditional custodian, these names alone conjure layer upon layer of story and meaning For Jim, his depictions of country celebrate and affirm the depth and endurance of his culture. He paints the strength of his identity as a traditional man.

•Ngayulu, nganana, wati tjutangku kunpungku kanyini. Tjukurpa miilmilpa nganampa ngaranyi altatjitu.
Together with the senior men, I protect restricted knowledge. This is the way of our Law.’

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Paintings depict the Tjukurpa, the Law and stories of Ancestors. Anangu (Central and Western Desert Aboriginal people) have responsibilities for the protection and teaching of different Tiukurpa and there are strict protocols for the imparting of knowledge. The dotting technique has evolved with the need to adapt sacred expressions of Tjukurpa for public viewing and as a depiction of the desert landscape.

Jim Nyukuti’s paintings map his country, tracing and retracing the acts of his grandfathers and their grandfathers before them as they take their young men through the Law. Each canvas re- embeds the significance of his country and kin.

Jim Nyukuti

Watiku Tjukurpa

About the artist

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