STOP 1

Iron Knob

STOP 1

Iron Knob

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Click here to hear Wati Kanyala in English.

Our performers are getting painted up. The language word for the body markings or paint up is Walka.
Play Video
Tapaya Edwards explains the importance of Walka.
Screen Shot 4
Play Video
Tapaya Edwards explains the importance of Walka.

MYTH

In Australia, there is only one Aboriginal culture and language.
Myth

In Australia, there is only one Aboriginal culture and language.

FACT

At the time of colonisation there were over 250 Indigenous nations in Australia. Most with their own culture, customs, language and laws.
Fact

At the time of colonisation there were over 250 Indigenous nations in Australia. Most with their own culture, customs, language and laws.

Boys perform the Kurunpa Inma for Kungkarankalpa (the Seven Sisters) that they learned at Iron Knob.
Their Walka (body paint) and head decorations are an important part of the performance.
Play Video

Tapaya Edwards explains the Inma.

Play Video

Tapaya Edwards explains the Inma.

The boys performing the Inma.

The boys performing the Inma.

The Walka (body paint) is very important to performing Inma.

When the boys are dancing the singers look at the dancers markings because it tells them which song to sing.

The Walka for this Inma represents Wati Nyiru’s design for Iron Knob area.

DID YOU KNOW?

In the Seven Sisters Tjukurpa, Wati Nyiru carries a spear, spear thrower, boomerang, Nulla Nulla and wears a white cockatoo feather on his head.
The Walka (body paint) is very important to performing Inma.

When the boys are dancing the singers look at the dancers markings because it tells them which song to sing.

The Walka for this Inma represents Wati Nyiru’s design for Iron Knob area.
DID YOU KNOW?

In the Seven Sisters Tjukurpa, Wati Nyiru carries a spear, spear thrower, boomerang, Nulla Nulla and wears a white cockatoo feather on his head.

The Yankunytjatjara word for Puturu is Yakiti.

Puturu is the Pitjantjatjara word for headband.

Traditionally, human hair was used to make headbands.

The Yankunytjatjara word for Puturu is Yakiti.

The kids are holding parka (twigs) which Wati Nyiru uses to clear the land as he searches.

Puturu is the Pitjantjatjara word for headband.

The Yankunytjatjara word for Puturu is Yakiti.
The Yankunytjatjara word for Puturu is Yakiti.

Traditionally, human hair was used to make headbands.

The kids are holding parka (twigs) which Wati Nyiru uses to clear the land as he searches.

The kids are holding parka (twigs) which Wati Nyiru uses to clear the land as he searches.

Let's Practice Language

Walka

Translation

Body Paint

Translation

Body Paint

Yakiti 

Translation

The Yankunytjatjara word for Headband

Translation

The Yankunytjatjara word for Headband

Wati Nyiru

Translation

The man who follows the 7 sisters

Translation

The man who follows the 7 sisters

Inma

Translation

Dance or Performance

Translation

Dance or Performance

Palya

Translation

Many different meanings including, hello, ok, bye.

Translation

Many different meanings including, hello, ok, bye.

Animate

© The Seven Sisters Tjukurpa story is owned by the Anangu people.