This painting depicts designs associated with Marawa, a swamp with rockhole and soakage water, on the west side of Wilkinkarra (Lake Mackay). In mythological times a large group of Tingari Men travelled to this site from the west. After arriving at Marawa the men passed into the ground, continuing their journey underground. Since events associated with the Tingari Cycle are of a secret nature no further detail was given. Generally, the Tingari are a group of mythical characters of the Dreaming who travelled over vast stretches of the country, performing rituals and creating and shaping particular sites. The Tingari Men were usually followed by Tingari Women and accompanied by novices and their travels and adventures are enshrined in a number of song cycles. These mythologies form part of the teachings of the post initiatory youths today as well as providing explanations for contemporary customs.

Text from Papunya Tula Artists