Star Dreaming Earrings

The Star Dreaming jewelry artwork is by Alma Nungarrayi Granites whose skin name is Nungarrayi. Yanjirlypirri is the Warlpiri name for stars and also a small hill to the west of Yuendumu, where there is a water soakage. The importance of this place cannot be overemphasized as young boys are brought here to be initiated from as far as Pitjanjatjara country to the south and Lajamanu to the north. This painting tells of the journey of Japaljarri and Jungarrayi men who traveled from Kurlurngalinypa (near Lajamanu) to Yanjirlypirri, and then on to Lake Mackay on the West Australian border. Along the way they performed 'kurdiji' (initiation ceremonies) for young men. Napaljarri and Nungarrayi women also danced for the 'kurdiji'. In contemporary Warlpiri paintings traditional iconography is used to represent the Jukurrpa, particular sites and other elements. During the performance of this ceremony the men wear 'jinjirla' (white feather headdresses) on either side of their heads. They also wear wooden carvings of stars which are also laid out on the ground as part of the sand paintings produced for business. 'Ngalyipi' (snake vine), is often depicted as long curved lines and is used to tie 'witi' (ceremonial spears) vertically to the shins of the dancing initiates. These 'witi' are typically shown as long, straight lines and the 'yanjirlpirri' (stars) are usually depicted as white circles or roundels.

Created by designer Lisa Engeman, Occulture is a collaboration with Australian indigenous artisans transferring ancient stories and knowledge into contemporary statement jewelry that celebrates and strengthens the songline of culture, knowledge, artists and community. The photoanodized aluminum jewelry with sterling silver fittings is handcrafted in Australia using cutting edge technology.

Occulture is deeply honored to represent the artists they work with, the Warlukurlangu people of the Yuendumu region of the central Australian desert, Gamilaraay woman, Arkeria Rose Armstrong, and a lineage of well-known and respected artists from Utopia and Yuelumu country, including Raymond Walters Japanangka.

The jewelry designs reproduce highlights from artists' paintings. Made by hand, each piece possesses unique, intrinsic beauty with variations in shape, size, and metal finish. The jewelry translates ancient artwork into a contemporary context by utilizing cutting-edge technology to create Occulture's sculptural designs.

Occulture is a preferred supplier for the Museum Shops Australia and New Zealand and a member of the Indigenous Art Code which promotes and regulates the fair and ethical trade in works of art by Indigenous artists. All artwork featured in their jewelry is licensed and royalties are paid directly to the individual artist. Occulture also proudly holds an Australian Made license.

Each piece of Occulture jewelry is gift boxed, with a card describing the artist and the artwork.

Our Star Dreaming jewelry is based on the artwork by Alma Nungarrayi Granites, whose skin name is Nungarrayi. There are many paintings on star dreaming because this is important for the Nungarrayi skin group.

Alma was born in the Northern Territory in 1955 and learned the dreaming from her father, Paddy Japaljarri Sims, who taught her all of the songs and ceremony for "Seven Sisters Dreaming" and "Milky Way Dreaming." She started painting in 1987 and was an active member of the Warlukurlangu Artists Aboriginal Corporation. Her work was featured in many national and international exhibitions.

Alma passed away in 2017, the mother of four with many grandchildren. Her legacy continues with all royalties from this licensed Occulture jewelry being paid directly to the Warlukurlangu artists' association. The funds are used for materials for the artists and projects in Yuendumu to benefit the community.