Mantyil May Brooks
Born about 1955
Manyjilyjarra language group, Karimarra skin group
Newman
Martumili Artists
I was about 25 years of age when I went to Kunawarritji for first time for meeting. And I didn’t get homesick or lonely. Probably because I feel right at home.
May was born at old Jigalong. She is the sister of Clifford and Sarah Brooks, and her father is Rover Thomas’ older brother. May belongs to Kunawarritji, Well 33, on her fathers’ side, and on her mother’s, to Rarrki, Well 27.
Wantili (Well 25) to Wuranu (Well 29)
2007, by Lily Long, Sarah and May Brooks
acrylic on linen, 150 x 76 cm
Martumili Artists
National Museum of Australia
Wantili is significant because this is where Kartujarra, Manyjilyjarra, Putujarra and Warnman people all come together. It is a jurnu (soak) and a claypan, where Jukurrpa women threw seeds. Well 25 is located close to Wantili at Yilkarr, but because of the site’s significance this well is usually referred to as Wantili.
