Warlpiri people commemorate and maintain their relationship with their ancestors and the natural order of the cosmos by re-enacting the events of the Jukurrpa (the Dreaming).

They do this, in part, by painting up while singing pertinent songs, as well as performing dances and ritual actions sanctioned by the Jukurrpa.

From May 1981 to June 1982, ethnochoreologist Megan Morais lived in Willowra in the Northern Territory, working with the Warlpiri community. The Warlpiri women and Megan worked as an impromptu team documenting their dances as performed in yawulyu – women’s ceremony – as well as documenting traditional movement patterns.

Warlpiri women in Willowra generously and with trust, shared their music, songs, dances, designs and associated knowledge of yawulyu which is now being returned to them.

A recent collaboration between Megan and musicologist Myfany Turpin and the Willowra community has resulted in this book which provides the means for current and future generations to access the knowledge shared by the Warlpiri women.

Women of land-owning groups who have inherited sovereignty, and other important women in the community, have granted permission to publish the designs, songs and jukurrpa stories in this book. More than that, they urged publication so they would have a resource to teach their children and grandchildren. The co-authors each contributed to the book according to their authority, knowledge and strengths.

Proceeds from sales of the book will support Warlpiri people to attend Women’s Law and Culture Meetings – currently the primary forum for central Australian Aboriginal women to perform, teach and learn women’s ceremonies.