Tjukurpa

The traditional people in the region encompassing Yulara, Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Kata Tjuta (The Olgas) are known as Anangu. Their presence in the area dates back as far as 30,000 years, with some evidence to suggest much longer. We learn about Tjukurpa from the Anangu people.

For the Anangu, Tjukurpa is many things. It is a system of belief which gives the Anangu an explanation of their existence and an understanding for the physical world (through creation stories). Tjukurpa also provides a set of guidelines for how to live within a community (also referred to as traditional law).

Tjukurpa stories (or creation stories) encompass layers of knowledge which are passed through generations of traditional peoples. These stories contain layers of meaning and functionality which relate to all aspects of traditional life such as landcare and societal cohesion.

• The Mala Story
• The Kuniya and Liru Story
• The Lungkata Story

Uluru-Kata Tjuta is a living cultural landscape rich with Tjukuritja, which is the physical evidence of creation. When we share traditional stories during our Tours, we will relate parts of each story to particular features in the landscape or in the rock. We understand these features in the landscape to be evidence of that story.

Learn about Tjukurpa and follow the Tjukuritja around Uluru during the Uluru Base Walk, on Tour with Mulgas Adventures.

One can follow a Tjukurpa story and follow its Tjukuritja in the land, to find their way through the bush or even to find water.

Learn more about Tjukurpa by visiting the Parks Australia, Uluru-Kata Tjuta website.