The Wati Who Was Looking for Lasseter

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The Wati Who Was Looking for Lasseter

WARNING: Visitors should be aware that this website includes images and names of deceased people that may cause sadness or distress to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

There was a white man. He was travelling around looking for Lasseter. He went and camped at a rock-hole south of Docker River. He then went to another rock-hole where he drank the water and washed his face. Some people saw him. They must have got jealous and got wild. They speared him and he finished.

Jean Inyalanka Burke

Jean Inyalanka Burke
1945–2012

Jean Inyalanka Burke was a multi-talented artist and storyteller, who had a major influence on the dynamic art scene at Warakurna with her acclaimed three-dimensional works in purnu (wood) and tjanpi (woven fibre). Her paintings built upon this background and extended her storytelling prowess.

Burke was born at a waterhole site known as Arnumarapirti, near Irrunytju (Wingellina). As a child she travelled with her family to the mission settlement of Ernabella, in South Australia.

When her mother died, Burke and her father, Mr Eddie, walked westward to Mount Margaret mission and then to Warburton Mission, where she attended school. Warakurna was Burke's husband's country.

View other works by Jean Inyalanka Burke