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Ngiṉṯaka (Aboriginal pronunciation:[ŋiɳʈaka]), also spelledNgintaku, is amythological giantperentie lizard fromAṉangu andPitjantjatjaraAboriginal religion. It is associated with Angatja, an area along an importantsongline.[citation needed]
Ngiṉṯaka is one of the two major reptile Ancestral Beings associated withUluru, the other beingMilpali.[citation needed]
Ngiṉṯaka's songline, known asInma Ngiṉṯaka, tells of his journey of creation over 500 km. The song’s stanzas follow his travels through the land, where he is portrayed with human characteristics.[citation needed]
In the myth, Ngiṉṯaka travels from his home near theWestern Australia border to the camp of another lizard tribe, nearOodnadatta, in search of a better grindstone.[1] He steals theAnangu grindstone and carries it home while being chased by the Anangu people. Along his journey, he digs up tjanmatjas (bush onions), creating large boulders.[2] As he travels, he creates many landforms in theMusgrave andMann Ranges and vomits up various grass seeds and vegetable foods.[1] It is colored black and white as a form of camouflage to hide from predators.[citation needed]
According to mythology,Ngarutjaranya, the highest mountain inSouth Australia, is also Ngiṉṯaka as he rears up to look over the country. He is returning to his home in the west.[citation needed]
