MB061878
Women Collecting Ntyemeny (Ruby Saltbush) MB061878-Shirley Dixon Kemarre
Shirley Dixon Kemarre
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c. 1970's
Language Group:Arrernte (Aranda)
Country:Angootuna, Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas and Linen
Subjects:Ntyemeny (Ruby Saltbush), Awelye (Women's Ceremony) for Ngkweyang (Kurrajong Seed), Imuna (Bush Food), Yerrampe (Honey Ant) Dreaming, Camping, Women Collecting Imuna (Bush Food) and Ntyemeny (Ruby Saltbush), Women Collecting Ntyemeny (Ruby Saltbush),
Shirley began painting for Mbantua Gallery in 1999, following in the footsteps of her mother, Elsie Dixon, and many talented members of her extended family who are skilled dot painters. Raised at Alcoota, Shirley is the eldest of five sisters: Thelma, Elizabeth, Maureen and Dianne Dixon.
Shirley paints the stories passed down from both her father's and mother's countries. Like her mother, she speaks the Arrernte language, but she is also fluent in Alyawarre. She was married to George Club Petyarre (deceased), the son of Lena Pwerle, and together they have two sons.
Shirley paints Awelye (Women's Ceremonial and Body Paint Designs) for Ntyemeny (Ruby Saltbush). A soft greyish shrub with small flowers and bright red or yellow berries, the Ntyemeny is found in abundance around Alice Springs and through out Central Australia in every habitat. The Aboriginal people would eat the Ntyemeny berries when ripe and juicy or reconstitute the dried berries in water.
Women perform Awelye ceremonies to demonstrate respect for their country and the total well-being and health of their community. Linear designs are painted onto the chest, breasts, arms and thighs. Powders ground from red and yellow ochre (clays), charcoal and ash are used as body paint and applied with a flat stick with soft padding.
In this painting, the women can be seen 'painted-up' and singing the songs associated with their Awelye. In the background, humpies can be seen. These are small temporary shelters traditionally used by Aboriginal people.
MB061878