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Nola Napangardi Fisher, Purrpalanji (Skinny Bush Banana) Jukurrpa, 40x40cm

Nola Napangardi Fisher, Purrpalanji (Skinny Bush Banana) Jukurrpa, 40x40cm

Layby: Available with a 20% deposit of $65.80
Flexible payments over 2 months. Use code: LAYBY20

Original Work of Art (1/1) from a Community Art Centre. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity issued by them.

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  • Aboriginal Artist - Nola Napangardi Fisher
  • Community - Yuendumu
  • Aboriginal Art Centre - Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation  
  • Catalogue number - 163/23
  • Materials - Acrylic on pre-stretched canvas  
  • Size(cm) - H40 W40 D3.5 
  • Postage variants - Artwork posted stretched and ready to hang
  • Orientation - Painted from all sides and OK to hang as wished

‘Purrpalanji’ (skinny bush banana [Rhyncharrhena linearis]) is a twining climber with thin leaves and pink-brown flowers. Its bean-like edible pods are long and skinny, and can grow up to 20 cm long. It is fire tolerant and grows quickly whenever moisture is available. Like ‘yuparli’ (bush banana [Marsdenia australis]), all of the plant is eaten aside from the woody stems.

This ‘purrpalanji Jukurrpa’ (skinny bush banana Dreaming) comes from Pikilyi (Vaughan Springs), a large waterhole and natural spring to the west of Yuendumu, close to Mount Doreen. Napangardi/Napanangka women and Japangardi/Japanangka men are the ‘kirda’ (owners) of the skinny bush banana Dreaming at Pikilyi. Nangala women and Jangala men are the ‘kurdungurlu’ (custodians) of this Dreaming.

Napangardi and Napanangka women collect ‘purrpalanji’ (skinny bush banana) and ‘yuparli’ (bush banana) around Pikilyi in their ‘parraja’ (coolamons). They cook the ‘purrpalanji’ and ‘yuparli’ in hot ashes to get rid of the acidic taste they can have when eaten raw. The skinny bush banana Dreaming is only associated with Pikilyi, and does not travel to other locations. Pikilyi is an important site associated with a number of different Dreamings. These include ‘yuparli Jukurrpa’ (bush banana Dreaming), ‘warrilyi ngurlu Jukurrpa’ (blue mallee [Eucalyptus polybractea] seed Dreaming), ‘kakalyalya Jukurrpa’ (cockatoo Dreaming), and ‘warna-jarra Jukurrpa’ (two snakes Dreaming). In the two snakes Dreaming story, Napangardi and Napanangka women picked lice off of the two snakes living in the waterhole at Pikilyi.

In Warlpiri paintings, traditional iconography is used to represent the Jukurrpa and other elements. Curved lines are used to represent the long, skinny edible portion of the ‘purrpalanji’ (skinny bush banana).

Nola Napangardi Fisher was born in 1958 in Yuendumu, a remote Aboriginal community located 290 km north-west of Alice Springs in the Central Desert of Australia. She went to the local school and has completed further studies in Health at Batchelor College, Darwin. In 1995 Nola received a Department of Health Certificate of Appreciation for 10 Years Service. In her early years of her career she ran the health clinic in Nyirripi and now works for the Department of Health in Yuendumu. She was married and has three children, one daughter and two son and many grandchildren. Nola has been painting with Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation, an Aboriginal owned and governed art centre in Yuendumu, since 2004. Nola paints Ngurlu Jukurrpa (Native Seed Dreaming),Karnta Jukurrpa (Women’s Dreaming), Yurrampi Jukurrpa (Honey Ant Dreaming) and Yuparli Jukurrpa (Bush Banana Dreaming) from her father’s side and Janganpa Jukurrpa (Possum Dreaming) from her mother’s side, as well as several sites that have belonged to her family for millennia. All the stories relate directly to the food, animals and features of her traditional country. Nola still regularly likes to go out with a group of women to collect these traditional foods. Nola likes to paint colourful representations of her Jukurrpa stories, stories she would like to pass down to her grandchildren. She would also like to pass down her stories to non-Aboriginal people so that they will better understand the Aboriginal ways. “When I’m on holidays I sometimes paint and sell my paintings to tourists in the city so that they will hear my stories.”

We take great pride in offering high-quality, authentic Aboriginal Art pieces to you. However, we are aware that there have been instances in the Aboriginal Art market where the authenticity of some artworks has been called into question. We want to assure you and all of our customers that we firmly stand behind the authenticity of every artwork we sell.

In addition to our extended 120 days standard returns, we are pleased to offer a lifetime money-back authenticity guarantee to all customers who purchase Aboriginal Art from us, both past and present. This guarantee covers any disrepute or wrongdoing in association with the authenticity of any Aboriginal artwork sold by ART ARK®. We understand that purchasing authentic Aboriginal Art is important to you, and we want to provide you with peace of mind in knowing that they are getting what you paid for.

As part of our commitment to authentic Aboriginal Art, we work with reputable Aboriginal Art centres that we know are committed to maintaining the integrity of Aboriginal Art. Additionally, we continually monitor all aspects of the Aboriginal Art market and are acutely aware of, and are proactive in addressing any issues arising.

We take the authenticity of Aboriginal Art seriously and are committed to providing you with high-quality and genuine works of art. If you have any concerns about the authenticity of any art piece you purchased from us, please do not hesitate to contact us and we will investigate further. If we find any wrongdoing or disrepute in regards to the provenance or authenticity of any artwork we have sold we will happily provide a full refund to you at any time in the future outside of our standard returns policy. 

Thank you for choosing ART ARK® for your Aboriginal Art purchasing. We are honoured to provide you with authentic, high-quality art pieces and look forward to continuing to serve you.




Ethical Aboriginal Art


Warm your home with beautiful Aboriginal art from the world’s oldest living culture. When you purchase, you support the artist and their community art centre. Your artwork will arrive exactly as shown, colour-accurate, carefully packed, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity from a community-based art centre. Enjoy free insured delivery and a 120-day return policy for a seamless, confident, and ethical buying experience.


Authenticity


Only certificates from community-based Aboriginal art centres guarantee ethical sourcing. Every ART ARK® piece includes this important documentation. Learn more about Aboriginal Art Authenticity.


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We love our artworks, and we think you will too! However, if for any reason you are not 100% satisfied in any way with your artwork then you can return it within 120 days of receipt for a full refund. Learn more about Delivery and Returns.


Framing Aboriginal Art


To keep pricing transparent, we deliver artworks as they come to us—unframed and priced in accordance with each art centre. Canvas and linen pieces are rolled for easy re-stretching at your local framer. Bark paintings and smaller items from our Stretched Desert Paintings collection arrive ready to hang. Watercolours should be framed behind glass, either custom or pre-made. Learn more about Framing Aboriginal Art.


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Our customers love our fast deliveries, the accuracy of our images, and our ethical business model. See our Customer Reviews to learn more.


Layby


We’re flexible and want to support you as you support the artists. Traditional layby is available—simply pay a 20% deposit at checkout using code LAYBY20, and we’ll send you an invoice for the remaining balance within 24 hours. You can then make payments as you wish over 2 months, and we’ll reconcile the total before sending your artwork.


Worldwide Delivery


Shipping from Launceston, Tasmania (Lutruwita), to your doorstep, wherever you are. Domestic deliveries are free. For international orders under $500 AUD, a $30 AUD postage fee applies; otherwise, shipping is also free. Helpful Customs Links.

Please note: International duties and taxes may vary depending on your country. Original artworks, classified under tariff 970191(0000), are duty-free in the United States and Canada. The UK applies a reduced VAT of 5%, France 5.5%, and Germany 7%. In many other countries, duties can be higher so please check. We recommend keeping this in mind when making a purchase.



ART ARK Reviews
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01/23/2025
Lauren B.
Australia
I love this piece more in person than I thought I would! I’ve ordered from Art Ark multiple times, and each time the art that has arrived has been as pictured (or better). This time it was packaged, shipped and arrived within two days of ordering - exceptional service. Thank you
Renae Nelson, Mamungari, 61x44cm
01/15/2025
PANOS T.
Greece
very professional the artwork was as expected. Thank you Guy and Tamika Nangala Cook
Tamika Nangala Cook, Ngurlu Jukurrpa (Native Seed Dreaming), 40x40cm
01/13/2025
Nina H.
Australia
Buying art online can sometimes be daunting but my experience at the Art Ark was first class. Extraordinarily helpful, extremely descriptive and left me feeling confident in the process. When my art arrived it was so well packed to keep it safe and to say I was delighted was an understatement....Buying art online can sometimes be daunting but my experience at the Art Ark was first class. Extraordinarily helpful, extremely descriptive and left me feeling confident in the process. When my art arrived it was so well packed to keep it safe and to say I was delighted was an understatement. Thank you so much
Tina Napangardi Martin, Jintiparnta Jukurrpa (Desert Truffle Dreaming) - Mina Mina, 183x152cm
01/13/2025
Kathleen W.
France
As with previous purchases, these ArtArk paintings arrived in very good time, in excellent condition, and Guy was a great help with typical customs/VAT officials in France. The paintings are beautiful, the colours more vibrant than they appear on my computer screen. Can't wait to stretch them onto...As with previous purchases, these ArtArk paintings arrived in very good time, in excellent condition, and Guy was a great help with typical customs/VAT officials in France. The paintings are beautiful, the colours more vibrant than they appear on my computer screen. Can't wait to stretch them onto frames myself - and thanks to Guy, I have the confidence to do that - and geet them on the walls.
Debbie Napaljarri Brown, Wanakiji Jukurrpa (Bush Tomato Dreaming), 122x61cm
01/12/2025
Jacquelyn M.
Australia
I’ve purchased some paintings for myself, Guy is always helpful and I love my artwork so much that I decided to buy a gift voucher as a wedding present for my niece.
Gift Card
01/12/2025
Josephine H.
Australia
Thank you so much for the wonderful packaging of the magnificent painting by Mervyn Rubuntja. Everything about it is superb. The paperwork is also fantastic. Suffice to say I knew and worked with Wenton Rubuntja when I moved to central Australia in the mid 1980s. The houses of all my friends and...Thank you so much for the wonderful packaging of the magnificent painting by Mervyn Rubuntja. Everything about it is superb. The paperwork is also fantastic. Suffice to say I knew and worked with Wenton Rubuntja when I moved to central Australia in the mid 1980s. The houses of all my friends and family as well as our own house here in Adelaide are full of Wenten pieces both watercolour and dot paintings, on board and canvas and anything else he could find! He was an incredible man and it was wonderful to read the notes. I worked in the establishment of old people’s services and had a lot to do with Wenten and the elders in his family. As you can imagine my memories of Mervyn are of a very young boy. What I do know is that he is just utterly brilliant, his talent is outstanding and everything he does just leaps right off the paper. I had never looked at Art Ark before and was scrolling through really admiring the quality of the works and whamo there was the Mervyn and my father who has two Mervyn postcard size works I bought him, is about to turn 100, and I acted FAST! – but not as fast as my father acted when he opened the package in Sydney. He absolutely loves it and I wasn’t going to make him wait one day to look at it and enjoy it. He is very discerning and an art fanatic to put it mildly. So it’s at the framers my father rushed his almost one hundred feet out the door and had already decided where it would go on his walls. So thank you for the wonderful quality and the superb packaging (only one small pressure mark on the cardboard outside but nothing deep or problematic about it) and for giving my Dad so much joy. We miss Central Australia, we were at Wenten’s funeral and the pull of central Australia is always present. We have a lovely Mervyn painting which we have yet to frame (I did not inherit my father’s capacity for speed) and we treasure it. Thanks so much. Excellent professional and wonderful. Cheers Jo
Mervyn Rubuntja, Rutjipma (Mt Sonder), 54x35cm
01/11/2025
Isobel M.
Australia
We had the pleasure of visiting Guy’s gallery in Launceston and were blown away by the stunning collection of artwork. The gallery is a real hidden gem. We purchased a gorgeous piece by the talented Audrey that we absolutely love. The entire experience was excellent—highly recommend making an...We had the pleasure of visiting Guy’s gallery in Launceston and were blown away by the stunning collection of artwork. The gallery is a real hidden gem. We purchased a gorgeous piece by the talented Audrey that we absolutely love. The entire experience was excellent—highly recommend making an appointment if you’re in Tasmania. Thank you, Guy! Izzy & Sam
Audrey Brumby, Ngura Tjuta Munu Tjukula Tjuta, 220x142cm
01/09/2025
Sara C.
Australia
Fast and friendly. Love the detail of narrative provided with the art piece. Thanks so much for my artwork!
Christine Nakamarra Curtis, Mina Mina Jukurrpa, 107x61cm
01/07/2025
Michael B.
Australia
Our art arrived home before we did and we are really happy with these beautiful First Nations art works. Our experince buying them was great and they were so well packaged. We also appreciate the information on the artists and their stories. I will recommend Art Ark to our friends. Kind...Our art arrived home before we did and we are really happy with these beautiful First Nations art works. Our experince buying them was great and they were so well packaged. We also appreciate the information on the artists and their stories. I will recommend Art Ark to our friends. Kind regards, Janelle
Naomi Kantjuri - Tjanpi Basket
01/07/2025
Michael B.
Australia
Our art arrived home before we did and we are really happy with these beautiful First Nations art works. Our experience buying them was great and they were so well packaged. We also appreciate the information on the artists and their stories. I will recommend Art Ark to our friends. Kind...Our art arrived home before we did and we are really happy with these beautiful First Nations art works. Our experience buying them was great and they were so well packaged. We also appreciate the information on the artists and their stories. I will recommend Art Ark to our friends. Kind regards, Janelle
Tanya Nungarrayi Collins, Watiya-warnu Jukurrpa (Seed Dreaming), 61x30cm
01/03/2025
ALAN R.
Australia
A prompt and easy buy, thanks!
Simone Nampijinpa Brown, Ngapa Jukurrpa (Water Dreaming) - Puyurru, 30x30cm
12/24/2024
David S.
Australia
Great service. Prompt and well packed delivery. Thank you
Yawuku #2 Garmu, Bathi (woven basket)
12/21/2024
Lynne S.
Australia
Fantastic service. Guy is very knowledgeable and accommodating. I have now bought several paintings from Art Ark and can highly recommend this gallery
Lena Young, Ngayuku Ngura, 49x46cm
12/10/2024
Penny G.
Australia
Thank-you to Art Ark and to other reviewers for sharing their wonderful experiences. As promised the painting we ordered arrived the next day. I was keen to get it straight away so I can get it stretched before our local art shop closed for Christmas. Art Ark is certainly reliable in their delivery...Thank-you to Art Ark and to other reviewers for sharing their wonderful experiences. As promised the painting we ordered arrived the next day. I was keen to get it straight away so I can get it stretched before our local art shop closed for Christmas. Art Ark is certainly reliable in their delivery times. As other reviews have said, and I couldn't agree more, the paintings are brighter and so evocative in person. This painting is bought as a gift for my son's 18th birthday. Yes, it's not a traditional 18th birthday gift but it makes sense for him for many reasons. I'm honoured to share the beauty and the stories of Australian indigenous artists with our son to mark his journey to adulthood in Australia. Thank-you.
Inawantji Jennifer Forbes, Minyma Kutjara, 91x61cm
12/10/2024
Briony L.
Australia
This piece by Doreen Chapman is as beautiful in person as it was when I saw it online. The subtle details like how it is painted on a black background and the lie bits of teal, really make the painting pop! The customer service from Guy has been exceptional. It’s always a pleasure to shop with Art...This piece by Doreen Chapman is as beautiful in person as it was when I saw it online. The subtle details like how it is painted on a black background and the lie bits of teal, really make the painting pop! The customer service from Guy has been exceptional. It’s always a pleasure to shop with Art Ark.
Doreen Chapman, Untitled, 76x46cm
12/10/2024
Jean P.
Spain
Organisation très sérieuse. Toile emballée avec beaucoup de précautions et parfaitement protégée. Envoie international rapide dès la commande. Organisation garantie. Jean Pierre POLI
Renae Nelson, Mamungari, 107x46cm
12/09/2024
Michelle D.
Australia
I recently purchased an Indigenous artwork, and it’s absolutely stunning. The colors and storytelling within the piece are captivating, and it adds such warmth and character to my space. A meaningful and beautifully crafted addition to my home—I couldn’t be happier with this purchase and experience...I recently purchased an Indigenous artwork, and it’s absolutely stunning. The colors and storytelling within the piece are captivating, and it adds such warmth and character to my space. A meaningful and beautifully crafted addition to my home—I couldn’t be happier with this purchase and experience with Art Ark.
Leanne Nungarrayi Jurrah, Yankirri Jukurrpa (Emu Dreaming) - Ngarlikurlangu, 46x46cm
12/04/2024
Don M.
Australia
Thanks for my recent purchase which arrived on time and in good order. I have purchased several pieces of indigenous art from numerous galleries over the years but I have to say that the process with ART ARK has impressed me greatly. It's obvious that you run a well managed ethical and extremely...Thanks for my recent purchase which arrived on time and in good order. I have purchased several pieces of indigenous art from numerous galleries over the years but I have to say that the process with ART ARK has impressed me greatly. It's obvious that you run a well managed ethical and extremely efficient business and for that you deserve the utmost credit. I look forward to making further purchases in the future and enjoying your knowledgeable and informative emails. Regards, Don
Kaylisha Napaljarri Ross, Ngatijirri Jukurrpa (Budgerigar Dreaming), 50x40cm
12/04/2024
Helen W.
Australia
I have been purchasing magical pieces from Art Ark over the last couple of years. It is important to me that the artist is well represented and I love that Art Ark collaborates with community and not for profit centres. I have learnt so much about indigenous art and the artists of the works I have...I have been purchasing magical pieces from Art Ark over the last couple of years. It is important to me that the artist is well represented and I love that Art Ark collaborates with community and not for profit centres. I have learnt so much about indigenous art and the artists of the works I have bought. I've been able to share this knowledge with family and friends. Delivery is very reliable and fast. And Guy is a delight! Thank you for your great service! Helen Whelan
Melissa Henry, Liru, 61x46cm
12/03/2024
Chloe S.
Australia
smooth process from Quoting to ordering and delivering the items on time
Pandanus Woven Mat (75-85cm centres)
12/01/2024
Lisa P.
Australia
Piece arrived safely and very quickly. The artwork was exactly as it was advertised on the website. Extremely pleased with the whole process.
Djul’djul Gurruwiwi Susan Wunuŋmurra, Witij - Rainbow Serpent, 96x48cm Bark
11/28/2024
Tim W.
Australia
I was impressed by Art Ark’s ethical commitment to deliver economic benefits back to Indigenous artists. That my painting was delivered within 3 days after bracing myself for a three week wait, blew my mind. And the art itself? Stunning
Jennifer Mintaya Connelly Ward, Kungkarangkalpa (Seven Sisters Story), 102x76cm
11/28/2024
Lynda D.
Australia
we recently purchased a lovely artwork from Art Ark. it was safely delivered over night! colours were true to website. thankyou!
Ivy Pareroultja, Going towards Ormiston Gorge, 36x25.5cm
11/22/2024
Stephen H.
United Kingdom
Great choice of work on the website and when it arrived looked even more amazing in real life. Easy to use website and seamless delivery to the UK arriving in perfect condition. Many thanks
Elsie Taylor, Walka, 91x76cm
11/14/2024
Jillian R.
Australia
Wonderful & fast service.
Murdie Nampijinpa Morris, Malikijarra Jukurrpa, 122x61cm
11/12/2024
Anise B.
Australia
We love this beautiful painting, thank you. A
Juliette Nakamarra Morris, Wanakiji Jukurrpa (Bush Tomato Dreaming), 30x30cm
11/06/2024
Daniel A.
Australia
We purchased 2 new peices through Guy and couldn’t be happier! His service and support through the whole process was brilliant. It’s such a great initiative what Guy is doing to support Aboriginal Art and we’ll continue to purchase with him in the future.
Helen Nungarrayi Reed, Lupul Jukurrpa, 182x91cm
10/29/2024
Bopaiah B.
Australia
The Ngalyipi Jukurrpa (Snake Vine Dreaming) painting is excellent and am very happy with the purchase. I will look at Art Ark for any further unique and individual aboriginal art or craft work.
Ingrid Napangardi Williams, Ngalyipi Jukurrpa (Snake Vine Dreaming) - Purturlu, 30x30cm
10/26/2024
Kim R.
Australia
Easy purchasing experience. All went very smoothly. Very happy with our purchase. Wilma produces the most impactful images of birds and animals. Full of character.
Wilma Napangardi Poulson, Birds that live around Yuendumu, 61x46cm
10/21/2024
Maleak B.
Australia
Really positive , very quick and prompt delivery. No negative notes.
Renae Nelson, Mamungari, 94x67cm
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