Artists footsteps albert namatjira biography

The Artists

Albert Namatjira

A Biographical Outline

Albert Namatjira Painting
(South Australia Museum Archives Scholz Collection)
Reproduction from Megaw, M.

Ruth (catalogue editor) The Heritage of Namatjira
Australian Exhibitions Touring Agency, 1991.

1902: Albert Namatjira was a full-blooded member of the Western Aranda (Arunta) tribe, and his birth was registered at the Hermannsburg Lutheran Mission on July 28, 1902.

Albert namatjira family

Those who have studied the Western Aranda now note that within this tribal area there is a tribal kinship system with eight recognizable groups or skins. These comprise the Kngwarriya, Piltharra, Mpitjana, Ngala, Purrula, Panangka, Purianda and Kumarra.

Albert was of the Kngwarriya skin, while his father Namatjira, who was born near the Ormiston Gorge was of the Piltharra skin and his mother Ljukuta, who was born near Palm Valley was of the Mpitjana skin.

Albert was the first born son in his family.

The Hermannsburg Lutheran Mission was