Raylene Walatinna Pitjantjatjara, b. 1980

Raylene Walatinna was born c.1980 and is the daughter of artist Betty Chimney. Her work depicts Tjukula Ngura (Rockhole Country).

 

Tjukula is the term for rock-holes, which are hollows and cavities found within some large boulders and rock formations across the deserts which collect pools of clean drinking water after heavy rain. Some hold small amounts and others are the size of large ponds. They are looked after and protected by Anangu peoples as they provide one of the main sources of semi-permanent water needed for survival in the desert.

 

Paintings of Tjukula locations usually also depict the surrounding country of map-like pathways and tracks leading to the site or of surrounding mountains and rocks. Tjukulas are often painted using iconography of concentric circles, and are often connected by linear creeks and underground springs.