Awelye Atnwengerrp - Minnie Pwerle

The bold linear patterns of stripes and curves throughout Minnie’s painting depicts the women's ceremonial body paint design. After smearing their bodies with animal fat, the women trace these designs onto their breasts, arms and thighs singing as each woman has a turn to be ‘painted up’. The songs relate to the Dreamtime stories of Ancestral Travel and other plants, animals and natural forces. Awelye-Women’s ceremony demonstrates respect for the land and in performing these ceremonies they ensure well being and happiness within the communities.