MINNIE PWERLE Awelye (Women's Ceremony)

Linear pattern in Minnie's painting represents body paint design that the women paint on to the upper part of their bodies for ceremony. These designs relate to all of Minnie's Dreaming stories from her country. Women perform ceremony to keep their country and people strong. 

Also illustrated in this panting is the Anemangkerr, a small globular fruit that Minnie describes as bring 'a little melon'. This fruit is high in vitamin C, it is favoured for its exceptional keeping qualities. Excess fruit is often threaded on to sticks, after removing the inedible black seeds. The fruit can then be dried and stored for a considerable period. 

127 x 87 cm

Acrylic on canvas

October 2003