Tutjurangara

Date: 1 Jan 1930 – 31 Dec 1935
Place: Circus Waters

This massacre of Ngaanyatjarra people occurred after hunters killed a camel that was part of a prospecting expedition. An estimated 4 Aboriginal men were killed and 2 prospectors. The event is well attested in Indigenous Knowledge of the area and depicted in many artworks. 


The location may not be accurate.

People involved

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Sources

  • Bennet, D T, Chamber, J, Shepherd, D Circus Waters Massacre Canberra: National Museum Australia, 2012 2012.0009.0001 https://collectionsearch.nma.gov.au/icons/images/kaui2/index.html#/home?usr=CE

    Jackson, N N, Chambers, J Y Tutjurangara Massacre (Circus Water Rockhole Massacre) in Tjanpi Desert Weavers at Desert Mob Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women's Council, September 15, 2018 https://www.npywc.org.au/news/tjanpi-desert-weavers-at-desert-mob/

    The date 'late 1930s' and the information 'I recall hearing that more than four people were killed, though a painting by Dorcas Tinamayi Bennett depicting the massacre includes a caption stating that three or four Wati were killed, along with two members of the prospecting party.' was provided in a private communication.

Event mentions

  • Tutjurangara
    1 Jan 1930 – 31 Dec 1935 — Circus Waters

    This massacre of Ngaanyatjarra people occurred after hunters killed a camel that was part of a prospecting expedition. An estimated 4 Aboriginal men were killed and 2 prospectors. The event is well attested in Indigenous Knowledge of the area and depicted in many artworks. 


    The location may not be accurate.

    Source:

    Bennet, D T, Chamber, J, Shepherd, D Circus Waters Massacre Canberra: National Museum Australia, 2012 2012.0009.0001 https://collectionsearch.nma.gov.au/icons/images/kaui2/index.html#/home?usr=CE

    Jackson, N N, Chambers, J Y Tutjurangara Massacre (Circus Water Rockhole Massacre) in Tjanpi Desert Weavers at Desert Mob Ngaanyatjarra Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara Women's Council, September 15, 2018 https://www.npywc.org.au/news/tjanpi-desert-weavers-at-desert-mob/

    The date 'late 1930s' and the information 'I recall hearing that more than four people were killed, though a painting by Dorcas Tinamayi Bennett depicting the massacre includes a caption stating that three or four Wati were killed, along with two members of the prospecting party.' was provided in a private communication.