Language Group: Pintupi
Date: Born 1969

Tamayinya made national headlines in 1984 as a member of the party of nine Pintupi whose journey from the desert to Kiwirrkurra was hailed as one of the last instances of ‘first contact’ between indigenous communities and Europeans. Prior to this event, Tamayinya and his family had been living at Marawa, on the south western side of Lake Mackay. It was estimated at the time of arriving at Kiwirrkura that he was 15 years old, and Tamayinya’s family members and fellow travelers have also since achieved renown as painters. His half-brother Walala Tjapangati and ‘brother’ Warlimpirrnga Tjapaltjarri paint independently, while his sisters Yalti and Yukultji also paint for Papunya Tula Artists. Tamayinya completed his first paintings for Papunya Tula Artists in 1987 while visiting family in Kiwirrkurra, and now lives in Mt Liebig with his wife’s family.