Yanpiyarti Ned Cox
Born about 1938
Walmajarri language groups, Jupurrula skin group
Ngumpan community
Ngurra Artists
My grandfather and that old man Wirrali they brought that Majarrka [dance] with them. Those old people had big mob of dance then.
Ned grew up around old Billiluna Station. His family travelled to Christmas Creek Station to get away from the Billiluna station manager, and settled there. Ned is the senior custodian for Majarrka, and was instrumental in the establishment of Wangkatjungka and Ngumpan communities.
Pukurti (tall Majarrka headdress)
2007, by Ned Cox
paperbark, plant fibre, ochre and emu feathers, 75×24 cm
Ngurra Artists
National Museum of Australia
This headdress is worn by some Majarrka juju dancers. The juju (song and dance) for Majarrka is based on the true story of Wurtuwaya (Yanpiyarti Ned Cox’ grandfather) and Wirrali (Mayarn Julia Lawford’s grandfather). While travelling near Paruku, the two men discovered their Majarrka totem stolen by a group of dancers who were performing a ceremony. they were wearing tall headdresses like this one. When they were finished, the two bosses snuck in and stole back their sacred Majarrka totem. Majarrka juju reenacts this event.
