Palya – a versatile word meaning – hello, welcome, good, fine and thank-you; also goodbye and OK.

Pitjantjatjara, Yankunytjatjara, Ngaanyatjarra – three Western desert dialects spoken by Maruku artists.

Anangu (or Yarnangu) – literally person or human, it is now used collectively to refer to people from the central and western desert.

Maruku – “maru” meaning the colour black and “ku” is the ending showing possession, literally means “belonging to black”. Our name is Maruku as Anangu own and operate it.

Tali – means sand dunes. You will see this pattern describing country is significant throughout our artists’ art and woodcarvings, which is why it’s used in our logo.

Tjukurpa – is dreaming, law, stories. It is the basis of Anangu culture and worldview. Each piece of artwork is based on and expresses tjukurpa.

Punu – is anything made of wood, especially artefacts and implements.

Walka – means designs, drawings and generally any meaningful marks.

Want to learn more? Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara to English dictionary – published by IAD Press is a great resource.