MB062267
Two Lizards MB062267-Rahel Kngwarria Ungwanaka
Rahel Kngwarria Ungwanaka
$6,950.00
or make 4 interest-free payments of
$825.00 AUD
fortnightly with
More info
1946
Deceased:2020
Language Group:Western Arrernte (Aranda)
Country:Ntaria (Hermannsburg), West of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas and Linen, Ceramics and Pottery
Subjects:Animals, Fish, Bush Fruits, Lizards, Kookaburras, Two Lizards
Rahel was born in Haasts Bluff, where she spent much of her life. Her father, Epaphras Intaminda, was a Western Aranda man from the Ellery Creek area, while her mother, Brenda Nakamarra, was Luritja/Pintupi from Haasts Bluff. During her school years, Rahel fondly remembered taking drawing lessons with Colin Schwartz.
After completing her schooling, Rahel married Pastor Nahasson Ungwanaka (now deceased), with whom she had five children. In 1993, she joined the Hermannsburg Potters and became one of its most dedicated members, known for her unique landscapes. Over her 30-year career with clay, Rahel produced themes such as blackberries, Country, people, lizards, honey ants, budgerigars, galahs and Fish Dreaming from Ellery Creek.
As a founding member of the Hermannsburg Potters, Rahel continued her work with clay right up until her last days, leaving a lasting legacy in her community.
Rahel paints the story of two lizards, known as Tjonpa, as they wander in search of food. Tjonpa is used to describe both perentie and goannas, which are types of monitor lizards. Rahel's people traditionally hunt these lizards for food by digging them out of their burrows with their digging sticks. Once caught, the lizards are cooked whole over hot coals and ashes. Goanna meat is white, oily and has a taste similar to chicken. Beyond being a food source, the fat and oil from goannas are also valued for their use in traditional medicine.
The background of the painting represents Rahel's homeland, capturing the distinctive landscape of the Ntaria (Hermannsburg) area.
MB062267
MB062266