Senior Aṉangu men from Ernabella, also known as Pukatja, have completed the final spears for Waninyi, a major cultural artwork set to be unveiled at the 2026 Biennale, one of Australia's biggest art festivals.
Ernabella/Pukatja is a remote Pitjantjatjara community in the Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands in the far north-west of South Australia.
It is home to one of the country's oldest Aboriginal art centres and a long tradition of cultural leadership in wood carving and ceremonial design.
The spears were finalised under the guidance of respected cultural leader Frank Young, with contributions from senior artists Benyi Stewart, Justin Raymond, Glen Nyaningu, Mark Morris and Shane Kenny.
Their work continues the legacy of earlier cultural leaders and artists, including Gordon Inkatji, Rupert Jack, Pepai Carroll and Thomas Tjilya, who helped shape the project's foundations.
The APY Art Centre Collective said the completion of the spears marks a significant milestone, bringing the multi-year project a step closer to its public unveiling.
Waninyi will feature at the 2026 Biennale as a large-scale expression of Aṉangu cultural strength, continuity and design, showcasing traditional craftsmanship on an international stage.
