MB060312
1978
Language Group:Anmatyerre
Country:Ankerrapw, Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas and Linen, Jewellery, Drawing
Subjects:Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Country, Women Collecting Bush Medicine, Imuna (Bush Food), Bush Medicine, Women Collecting Ntyemeny (Ruby Saltbush), Awelye (Women's Ceremony) for Ntyemeny (Ruby Saltbush), Ntyemeny (Ruby Saltbush), Women at Camp and Hunti
Dianne began painting for Mbantua Gallery in 2002. She paints beautiful fine dot work and has always had a great feel for colours. Her mother, aunties and sisters are all Utopian artists and Dianne was happy to join them in their community affair.
Dianne 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.
Linear designs represent Awelye. These 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. The women sing the songs associated with their Awelye as each woman takes her turn to be 'painted-up'. Women perform Awelye ceremonies to demonstrate respect for their country and the total well-being and health of their community.