Yuwali Janice Nixon
Born about 1947
Manyjilyjarra, Mangala language groups, Purungu skin group
Parnngurr Community
Martumili Artists
Yuwali was born at Yulpu soak in the Percival Lakes. In 1964 her family group, which consisted only of women and children, tried to evade a native welfare patrol officer who was attempting to bring them in to Jigalong Mission before the Blue Streak Missile was tested across their Country. After moving to Jigalong, Yuwali later worked on a number of stations, and finally moved closer to her Country in 1982 when she moved to Punmu. Her story is depicted in the book, Cleared Out, and the film, Contact.
Basket
2008, by Yuwali Janice Nixon
yarn and plant fibre on a metal base, 16×20 cm
Martumili Artists
National Museum of Australia
Nalda Searles came to Parnngurr and we coiled baskets all night and all day. All night and all day – no sleep in Parnngurr!
Yuwali Janice Nixon, 2008
We gather the minari [a type of grass] from our own Country and we like lovely coloured wool. We design baskets to remind us of the piti [wooden dishes] we used to carry on our heads. Some women use tin bases, or try out different shapes or materials. It’s always lovely when we sit and weave together.
Nola Taylor, 2008
