Yipali and Purrukupali

This painting tells the story of Purrukupali and the sacred place Yipali — the beach where he walked into the sea with his son, Jinani.

Jinani died while his mother, Bima (Wayayi), was collecting food in the mangroves. She had left him in the shade, but stayed away too long with Tapara, the Moon Man, who had come down from the sky because he loved her. The baby cried for milk, but no one came. When Bima returned, it was too late — Jinani had died in the sun.

In grief, Purrukupali refused Tapara’s offer to take the boy for three days to heal him. The brothers fought, and Purrukupali struck Tapara, leaving a scar that can still be seen on the crescent moon.

Carrying his son, Purrukupali walked into the ocean at Yipali. Both were swallowed by the sea, never to return. It was the beginning of death for all people.

To this day, when the tide goes out at Yipali, you can still see Purrukupali’s footprints in the sand — a lreminder of love, loss, and the beginning of death for all people.

Dimensions: 72x53cms