Maruku Arts – Serpent Stick

Contemporary carvings by Anangu, the Central and Western Desert Aboriginal people, known as “punu,” are meticulously hand-carved and adorned with “walka” patterns, created by burning into the wood using heated wire from a wood fire. These carvings intricately depict animals with profound connections to the Tjukurpa, the stories of the Creation Ancestors and the events that shaped the land, its people, and their laws.

The carved snakes, typically Kuniya (python), Liru (dangerous snake), or Wanampi (water serpent), hold significant ties to these ancestral narratives. These serpent-adorned wooden pieces blend traditional craftsmanship used for crafting women’s digging sticks, traditional dancing clubs, or men’s clubs with the concept of a decorated walking stick. Each carving conveys a unique tale, rooted in various snake ancestors and their roles in shaping the landforms and laws, with Kuniya, Liru, and Wanampi (Python, Venomous Snake, and Water Serpent) being the prominent snake ancestors frequently referenced.