The 2018 Milpirri performance theme focuses on artefacts. Tracks has collaborated with the Lajamanu Warnayaka Arts Centre towards making sets of Milpirri artefact props; boomerangs for the men and clap-sticks and dancing boards for the women.

Over the many years of the Milpirri performance there has been a decline in both the use of and the quality of the props or artefacts used within the mens and womens dancing. People on the whole  spend less time out bush then two decades ago and the wood that the props are made is both harder to find and where it is found is about 200 kms away from Lajamanu.

For these reasons the the Milpirri performance artefacts of boomerangs, clap sticks and dancing boards were crafted in the Barkly region, lead by master craftsman Joseph Williams.

Twenty four men were active throughout the year painting sixteen sets of Milpirri artifact props which they will dance with in this year's Milpirri performance. They were supervised through the process by established Lajamanu artists. The artifact props were inspired by the Milpirri banners and they look fantastic!

To read more about the Milpirri Banner designs that have been painted on the props, search through the Milpirri Banner Home Page. The banners are like a coat of arms to the Warlpiri people of Lajamanu.

Male Painters:
Titus Jupururrla White, Lorenzo Jupururrla Lewis, Abraham Jupururrla Cook,  William Jakamarra Lewis, Bradley Jakamarra Rockman, Graham Japaljarri Mcdonald, William Jungarrayi Mcdonald, Derek Jungarrayi Ronson, Corey Jungarrayi Raymond, Duane Jungarrayi Gibson,  Brendan Jungarrayi Payton, Nicky Japanangka James, Demetrius Japanangka Sambo, Dylan Japanangka Gordon, Gerald Robbo Japanangka, William Jampijinpa Patrick, Micky Jangala Donnelly, Dion Jangala Anderson and Lazarus Jangala Hargraves

Supervising Male Elders:
William Jakamarra Lewis, Richard Japaljarri Payton, Clifford Jungarrayi Mcdonald, Steven Japanangka Dixon, Steve Jampijinpa Patrick

Thanks to Anna Spencer, Ralphie Japangardi Dixon, Gerald Jampijinpa Watson and Louisa Erglis from Warnayaka Arts Centre and the artefact prop carvers from the Barkly region, particularly Joseph Williams.

See what the Women in Lajamanu have been busy painting.