REV-24

Julia Burton

Martumili Artists

Title: Punmu Waterholes

Acrylic on canvas: 60.4 x 46.5 x 2.2cm

Punmu refers to a region and an Aboriginal community within its vicinity, located 670km north-east of Newman. Created during the return to Country movement of the 1980s, with the recognition of Martu land rights and native title, the community was named after a nearby Jukurrpa (Dreaming) story. Punmu community sits on the edge of a large salt lake known as Nyayartakujarra or Lake Dora. The lake runs south into Karlamilyi River (Rudall River). Surrounding Punmu are numerous freshwater soaks and the red tali (sandhills) typical of the area. The most frequently visited water sources around Punmu include Wirlarra, Rawa, Yilyara, Jila-jila, Tuu-tuu, Pirrkili, Jurnu, Wilurr and Wala-Wala. Further south are Juturrpa, Wawul and Tarl.