Raymond Maxwell Tjampitjinpa

Pintupi Language Group

Untitled

87 x 28cms

Ref No:RM0609009

This painting depicts designs associated with the site of Kaakuratintja (Lake MacDonald), slightly west of the Kintore community. In ancestral times a large group of Tingari men, both young and old, travelled to this site from the west to perform the dances and sing the songs associated with the area. Later the men continued their travels north to Pinari, north-west of the Kintore community. Since events associated with the Tingari Cycle are of a secret sacred nature no further details were given.
The Tingari are a group of mythical characters of the Dreaming who travelled over vast stretches of the country, performing rituals and creating and shaping particular sites. The Tingari men were usually followed by Tingari women and accompanied by novices. Their travels and adventures are enshrined in a number of song cycles. These mythologies form part of the teachings of post initiatory youths today as well as providing explanations for contemporary customs.

Raymond is the son of George Tjungala, who was one of the early shareholders of Papunya Tula Artists and Pantjiya Nungurrayi who also paints for the company. He was born in Papunya in 1955 and worked for the Papunya council while in his twenties. Raymond did his first paintings in 1993 but didn't paint regularly until the late 90's.