‘Jumu‘ is a Walmajarri word used to describe a water soak found in the Great Sandy Desert. A water soak is water that gathers under the ground between sand dunes and can be accessed by digging into the sand and allowing the water to pool in the hole. Water soaks are important to the survival of Aboriginal people in the desert because the nomadic lifestyle requires access to drinking water that can not be carried the vast distances that tribes traditionally travelled by foot. We know where to find a water soak by locating a delicate white flower that grows on a ground covering shrub. Traditionally, water soaks in the desert are joined by songlines along which tribes travel. This songline is a lyrical ‘map’ that points out the location of the next watersoak.
Songlines are passed on through family generations.
Painting Details
Medium - acrylic on stretched Belgian Linen Size - 60cm x 60cm Price - please email bieundurry@westnet.com.au if you are interested in purchasing this piece.
