1948
Language Group:Anmatyerre
Country:Alhalkere, Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas and Linen, Batik on Silk
Subjects:Atnwelarre (Pencil Yam) and Emu Tucker, Alhalkere Country, Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Bush Flowers, Ngkwerlp (Wild Tobacco) Story, Yam Flowers
Dolly participated in the Utopia A Picture Story - a collection of 88 silk batiks (Holmes à Court Collection), which confirmed the artistic credibility of the Utopian Artists. Dolly has continued to paint for Mbantua Gallery over many years. The major subject of her work is Kame, the seed of the pencil yam, and Emu Tucker which belongs to her country, Alhalkere. Dolly is a full sister to Greeny Purvis Petyarre, owner of Alhalkere country.
Dolly depicts Yam Flowers growing in Utopia. These flowers belong to the pencil yam called Atnwelarre.
The Dreamtime stories surrounding this plant belongs to Alhalkere country in the Utopia Region, northeast of Alice Springs. The Atnwelarre is a trailing herb or creeper, sometimes covering large areas, with bright green leaves, yellow flowers and long skinny yams (swollen roots). These are an important food source which can be eaten raw or cooked in hot sand and ashes.