Nancy Ross Nungarrayi
D.O.B
c.1935
Birthsite
Karrku,south of Kiwirrkurra,W.A.
Language
Ngaatjatjarra/Pintupi
Historical
Nancy and her family walked into Papunya from Wala Wala in the Gibson Desert just prior to the last group of traditional people being brought in by Native Welfare patrols under Jeremy Long. Nancy came in with her two co-wives after the Tjangala husband passed away on the journey. Her daughter, Marlene,was born in the desert during this time. Nancy is the sister of Naata Nungarrayi and George Tjungarrayi and now she lives at Kintore with her family.
Painting
Nancy paints her “Karrku” story. The word karrku refers to red ochre. Many of Nancy’s paintings depict women grinding wangunu, a grass seed used to make traditional damper. Apart from the symbols used to represent the women and their activities, Nancy depicts sand hills, (tali) and the rocky hills (puli) as a series of curved linear patterns. Nancy was included in the Kiwirrkura Women’s project the result of which was a large painting auctioned to raise funds for the Kintore renal unit. This painting is published in the Papunya Tula’s “Genesis and Genius” book published by the Art Gallery of New South Wales. Nancy’s stories include; “Mantarrkurra “Tunitjarra”- kunkga tjuta or “many women”. “Marrapinti” – women’s business. “Mamuttjulku” – Nancy’s (Tjapaltjarri) father’s site. “Mantjintjalkara” – located in the Karrku area. “Wirunya” – ceremonial skirt worn by women.
