Tjukurrtjanu: Origins of Western Desert Art

Nosepeg had an encyclopaedic knowledge of all desert Aboriginal lore and law, and from the 1940s to the 1980s became, I believe, the greatest traveller on ‘Law business’ and the most important ritual leader the Australian Western Desert people have ever known. His countrymen considered him so perfect in his knowledge of the finest details of ceremonial protocol that it was commented that he was as one with the Dreaming. (R. G. (Dick) Kimber, 2011)

Born in Winanpa (Southern Pintupi) territory south of Kaakurutintjinya (Lake Macdonald), where he grew up, Nosepeg Tjupurrula developed an intimate knowledge of his country before he moved to Haasts Bluff. Here he worked as a guide and interpreter on all Welfare Branch patrols into Pintupi country between 1957 and 1964. His brilliant acting ability was also recognised by film-makers and he became one of the most popular Aboriginal actors of the mid twentieth century.

Nosepeg was a leading identity at Papunya when the art movement started. He was one of the founding artists but his role in the community always took precedence over his painting. He was acknowledged as a ritual leader by Pitjantjatjara, Pintupi, Winanpa, Matjatjara and Warlpiri peoples and there was not a traditional artefact that he could not make.

An occasional painter, his works are imbued with his deep understanding of Pintupi law. His principal sites included Payarrnganya, Pirrymalnganya and places southwest of the Kintore Ranges.