WARNING: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that the following article contains the name of a deceased person.
A series of culturally significant artworks from Western Australia’s eastern desert were recently unveiled in a special event hosted by DBCA and Warnpurru Aboriginal Corporation, held at DBCA’s Kensington head office for invited guests.
The Seven Seals of the Ngaanyatjarra Lands is a series of glass pieces that depict the Ancestral Beings whose journeys pass through or close-by the Pila Nature Reserve (formerly Gibson Desert Nature Reserve). Pila is located 1800km northeast of Perth in the northern Goldfields and is jointly managed by DBCA and Warnpurru Aboriginal Corporation, who represent the Yarnangu Traditional Owners.
Yarnangu Traditional Owners with the Minister for the Environment, Hon Matthew Swinbourn and DBCA Director General, Stuart Smith. Photo – DBCA
In 2023, Warnpurru approached DBCA with the generous offer to hold in safekeeping seven glass artworks; each one an extremely significant piece crafted by the late Mr Ian "Ribs" Ward.
Mr Ward was influential as an emerging cultural leader and a cross-cultural educator. He was a central community figure at Warburton and in the surrounding lands with a knowledge of culture, land, and art.
As an Elder, Mr Ward worked for many years to have the rights of Yarnangu people in the Gibson Desert Nature Reserve recognised. Eventually the Western Australian Government reached a historic native title settlement agreement with Yarnangu, which provided compensation for the extinguishment of native title caused by the creation of the nature reserve in 1977. Under the agreement, the reserve was renamed to Pila Nature Reserve, a Yarnangu word meaning ‘spinifex plain’ or ‘flat country’.
The Seven Seals of the Ngaanyatjarra Lands. Photo – DBCA
Symbolic and powerful gesture
The offer from Warnpurru to entrust DBCA with the safekeeping and display of these significant artworks is an incredibly symbolic and powerful gesture. The strong support and endorsement of this initiative by Yarnangu people is testament to the trust and goodwill that has been built over many years.
Daisy Tjuparntarri Ward speaking about the significance of the glassworks. Photo – DBCA
Yarnangu Traditional Owners with the artwork. Photo – DBCA
Cultural foundation for joint management
At the unveiling event, Noongar Whadjuk Elder Brett Collard gave the Welcome to Country, a man whose family has longstanding connections to the Ngaanyatjarra Lands.
The event also launched the publication Tjukurrpa Kurranyu: Tjukurrpa in Front, by Jan Turner and Dr Lizzie Ellis.
‘Tjukurrpa’ are the Yarnangu rules for conduct, living, taking care of Country, family, language and future generations. They are teachings, learnings and stories that will continue to guide Yarnangu into the future—and it will provide the cross-cultural foundation for developing a joint management plan for Pila.
Yarnangu Elder Daisy Tjuparntarri Ward explained, “It’s really important for people to understand why this glass is here. When people say it’s a Tjukurrpa fairytale, it’s not a fairytale. It’s our life, what we do, it’s us.”
The Seven Seals of the Ngaanyatjarra Lands are now on display in the main reception at DBCA’s head office, 17 Dick Perry Avenue, Kensington. The community is encouraged to view the artworks and learn about their meaning and significance. Brochures at the base of the artwork contain a series of QR codes that explain each of the artworks in the words of Mr Ward, narrated by his nephew. A plaque will also be installed in the coming weeks.
Minister for the Environment and Dr Lizzie Ellis at the unveiling event. Photo – DBCA
Jan Turner and Dr Lizzie Ellis speak at the event. Photo – DBCA