Kuji Rosie Goodjie
Born about 1936
Wangkajunga language group, Nampijin skin group
Wangkatjungka Community
Ngurra Artists
Kuji was born near Nyirla. Her first husband was murdered by a man who killed many people during the desert exodus. Kuji travelled along the stock route on her own to Billiluna where Nora Tjookootja’s father took care of her. Kuji married again in Balgo and later reunited with her family at Tarngku Springs and Christmas Creek Station.
Ngurti (coolamon)
2007, by Rosie Goodgie, 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.
