Jakayu Biljabu
born about 1937
Manyjilyjarra language group, Purungu skin group
Punmu community
Martumili Artists
Jakayu was born near Pitu, east of Well 25, and grew up around Kunawarritji, Rarrki and Nyilangkurr, where her father died. In 1963, with her husband and extended family, she met the surveyor Len Beadell, who was grading roads for the Woomera rocket range. This meeting prompted them to join their relatives who were living at Jigalong mission. In 1982 Jakayu moved to Punmu community, where she lives today with her children and grandchildren.
Minyipuru
2008 by Jakayu Biljabu
acrylic on canvas, 187 x 121 cm
Martumili Artists
National Museum of Australia
This painting describes the journey of the Minyipuru while they were still travelling as a large group of sisters and their mothers. The white U-shapes represent them as they flew close to Parnngurr, where women’s law tells that an important event took place. Afterwards, they flew on to Kalypa. The dance for this site is performed by both men and women.
