Watiya Tjuta (Desert Oak)

Debra Nangala McDonald

Size: 147 x 97cm

The Story: Debra Nangala McDonald is a Pintupi artist, born at Papunya (north west of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory). She spent many years painting beside her mother-in-law, Mitjili Napurrula (deceased 2019) whose Mulga Tree story is internationally acclaimed. Debra became custodian of Mitjili’s stories when she died. This painting depicts significant elements referring to Uwalki country – Mitjili’s homeland around Ikuntji (Haasts Bluff) west of Alice Springs in Central Australia. The wood from the watiya tjuta (desert oak) is used to hand carve spears, artefacts and ceremonial objects associated with men’s business. In this painting Debras pays respect to the desert oak which serves many purposes.