






Freda Napaljarri Jurrah, Ngalyipi Jukurrpa (Snake Vine Dreaming) - Yanjirlpiri,122x46cm
Original Artwork (they all are!) from a Community-Run, Not-for-Profit Art Centre, Complete with a Certificate of Authenticity Issued by Them.
Ethical Art Made Easy
Fast & Free Delivery
120-Day Easy Returns (Not That You’ll Need Them)
Colour-Corrected Images
- Details
- Artwork
- Artist
- Aboriginal Artist - Freda Napaljarri Jurrah
- Community - Nyirripi
- Aboriginal Art Centre - Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation
- Catalogue number - 1216/18ny
- Materials - Acrylic on linen
- Size(cm) - H46 W122 D2
- Postage variants - This work is posted un-stretched and rolled for safe shipping
- Orientation - Painted from all sides and OK to hang as wished
Japaljarri/Jungarrayi men and Napaljarri/Nungarrayi women are the ‘kirda’ (custodians) of the Ngalyipi Jukurrpa (snake vine [Tinospora smilacina]). The country associated with this Jukurrpa is at Yanjirlpiri (Mt. Nicker) to the west of Yuendumu. ‘Ngalyipi’ is a green creeper which curls its tendrils around the trunks and branches of trees and has many uses. Traditionally it was used as a strap to carry ‘parraja’ (wooden food carrying dishes), as a cure for headaches (it was wrapped very tightly around the head), as a rope and as a ceremonial wrap during the ‘witi’ ceremony for the initiation of the sons and grandsons of the Japaljarri and Jungarrayi men. ‘Ngalypi’ was also used to tie ‘witi’ (ceremonial) poles to the legs of the young initiates. The women danced and sang at the ceremony and then had to look away and block their ears when the men danced.
The ‘witi’ ceremony happened at night under the stars.
Freda Napaljarri Jurrah was born in 1956 at Mt Denison, a station located 332 km north-west of Alice Springs in the NT of Australia. When she was little she moved with her family to Yuendumu, a remote Aboriginal community 290 km north-west of Alice Springs. She attended the local school and later married. She has no children.
Freda has been painting with Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation, an Aboriginal owned and governed art centre located in Yuendumu, since 1992 but did not have much time in the early years until 2004 when she began to paint consistently with the art centre. She paints her Grandfather’s Jukurrpa stories, Dreamings which relate directly to her land, its features and the plants and animals that inhabit it. These stories have been passed down over many generations for millennia.

Supporting Aboriginal Artists
By sharing their culture, remote artists create opportunities for themselves. Buying Aboriginal art ethically supports these artists while bringing warmth and meaning into your home.

Original Art That Will Look Great at Your Place
Beautiful, one-of-a-kind art that fits perfectly into your home. Your purchase supports Aboriginal artists and helps us continue our mission in celebrating and promoting ethical Aboriginal art.
We're confident you will love your artwork, but if it’s not right for any reason, return it within 120 days. Over 1,550 past customers have shared their experiences, and they love their artworks.

Authenticity Certified by Community Art Centres
Only certificates from community-based Aboriginal art centres guarantee ethical sourcing, ensuring your purchase supports the artist and their community. Every ART ARK® piece includes this documentation, offering transparency and trust in its origin. Proof of provenance ensures authenticity and contributes to the artwork’s long-term value.
Learn more about Aboriginal Art Authenticity.

True-to-Life Colour Accuracy
We take the time to ensure your artwork will arrive as shown. Carefully packed, colour-accurate, and ready to love.
Colours are matched as closely as possible, and with returns under 0.2%, our customers are consistently delighted with their artworks.

Framing Aboriginal Art
We keep pricing transparent by delivering artworks without added third-party costs, allowing us to offer free shipping and maintain pricing in accordance with each art centre. Canvas and linen pieces are sent rolled for safe delivery and easy re-stretching at your local framer.
Learn more about Framing Aboriginal Art.

Fast, Free Post
From Tasmania to your doorstep, no matter where you are in the world. Enjoy free domestic shipping on all orders. International shipping is free for orders over $500 AUD, and a flat rate of $30 applies for orders under that amount.
Customs & Duties: Original artworks under tariff 970191(0000) are duty and tax-free when arriving in the United States and Canada. The UK applies a reduced VAT of 5%, France 5.5%, and Germany 7%. Other countries may have different duty rates, so we recommend checking before purchase.
Learn more about Customs and Shipping.