Wati Nyiru
This painting of the sisters’ pursuer, Wati Nyiru, was photographed in about 1996 by Barry Skipsey. The delicate details of the figure, including the four toes that identify him as a sorcerer, are clearly distinguishable. Photo: Barry Skipsey
Wati Nyiru
The same painting in 2016 shows how the painting has faded and layers of pigment have flaked off. Because of Wati Nyiru’s important role in the Seven Sisters story, people often touch this image, which may have contributed to its deterioration. Photo: June Ross, University of New England
Wati Nyiru
Wati Nyiru plays a prominent role in the Seven Sisters Tjukurrpa (Dreaming) story and its representation in inma (song and dance). Tjunkaya Edwards dances Wati Nyiru at the 2013 Kungkarrangkalpa performance at the National Museum of Australia. His costume is a similar design to the image on the rock. Photo: George Serras, National Museum of Australia