Wati-kutjara facts for kids
The Wati kutjara (say "Wah-tee koo-jah-rah") are two important figures in Australian Aboriginal mythology. They are often called the "Two Men Dreaming." These two young lizard-men, who are like goannas, traveled across a huge area of Australia called the Western Desert during a special time known as the Dreaming. Their journey covered thousands of kilometers, stretching from the Kimberley region to South Australia.
Their Amazing Journeys
The Wati kutjara stories are very important, especially around a place called Balgo. In some stories from the Kukatja people, the Wati kutjara are even compared to the wind. They can change into the wind's form when they are in danger.
First, these two men sang their own names to show who they were. Then, they decided to travel. They headed south-east to share important rituals and knowledge with people who didn't have them yet.
As they traveled, they sang about everything they saw. They sang about animals, plants, and even mountains and rivers. By singing, they gave these things their names and brought them into being. These two unmarried brothers had special magical power. They traveled all over the Western Desert, getting rid of many dangerous evil spirits. They also created special sacred objects.
The Wati kutjara appear in many, many stories. The details of these stories can be a little different from one region to another.
Art
- Places and events connected to the Wati kutjara are often shown in Aboriginal Art. You can find many artworks about them from Balgo and nearby communities.
See also
- Tingari, another major story cycle from the Western Desert
- Inma board
