Jukuja Nora Tjookootja
Born about 1937
Wangkajunga language group, Nampijin skin group
Wangkatjungka Community
Ngurra Artists
Jukuja was born at Piparr. After leaving the desert, her mother worked as a cook on the stock route, and before she was married, Jukuja lived with her promised husband, and learned the songs and stories for Kaningarra, Well 48, the site for which he was the last senior custodian. Today, Jukuja is one of the senior singers for this country.
Ngurti (coolamon)
2007, by Rosie Goodgie and Nora Tjookootja
wood, 17x72x22 cm
Ngurra Artists
National Museum of Australia
In the desert, piti and ngurti, vessels made of wood, were among a woman’s most important possessions. Deep bowls were used for carrying water, food, and for soaking medicinal plants. Flatter dishes were used for separating seed, and larger vessels were used as cradles for newborn babies. Smaller coolamons could also be used as tools for digging ovens, soaks and wells, and for clearing campgrounds.
