The 2018 Milpirri performance themes focus on artefacts. Tracks has collaborated with the Lajamanu Warnayaka Arts Centre towards making sets of boomerangs for the men and clap-sticks and dancing boards for the women.

Over the many years of the Milpirri performance, there has been a decline in both the use of and the quality of the props or artefacts used within the men's and women's dancing. People on the whole spend less time out bush than two decades ago, and the wood that the props are made from is both harder to find and, where it is found, is about 200 kms away from Lajamanu.

For these reasons, the Milpirri performance artefacts of boomerangs, clap sticks and dancing boards were crafted in the Barkly region, led by master craftsman Joseph Williams.

Twenty-four women were active throughout the early part of 2018 in painting their sixteen sets of Milpirri artefact props, which they will dance with in this year's Milpirri - Jurntu performance. They were supervised through the process by established Lajamanu artists and were inspired by the Milpirri banners. 

To read more about the Milpirri Banner designs that have been painted on the props, search through the Milpirri Banners archives. The banners are like a coat of arms to the Warlpiri people of Lajamanu.

Female Painters:
Mercia Napurrurla Lewis, Miranda Napurrurla Cooke, Felicia Napurrurla Lawson, Natalie Napurrurla Ross, Clarise Napaljarri Mcdonald, Sylvannia Nungarrayi Spencer, Erlinda Napaljarri Mcdonald, Valentine Napaljarri Mcdonald, Deandra Napanangka Burns, Gwenyth Napanangka Tasman, Lyndal Napangardi Dixon, Narlita Napanangka Robbo, Zindzi Nampijinpa Jigili, Tegan Nangala Patrick, Charlene Nangala Hargraves and Matrina Nangala Robertson

Supervising Female Elders:
Sonya Napaljarri Cooke, Elizabeth Nungarrayi Ross, Elma Nungarrayi McDonald, Myra Nungarrayi Herbert, Biddy Nungarrayi Long, Biddy Napanangka Timms, Judy Napangardi Martin and Nancy Nangala Watson

Thanks to Anna Spencer, Ralphie Japangardi Dixon, Gerald Jampijinpa Watson and Louisa Erglis from Warnayaka Arts Centre and the artefact prop carvers from the Barkly region, particularly Joseph Williams.