Artwork Story
Shirley paints Awelye (Women's Ceremonial and Body Paint Designs) for Ngkweyang, the seed of the Apeng (Desert Kurrajong) tree. There is an ancient Dreamtime story belonging to the ngkweyang which lies in the heart of Alyawarre land in Shirley's country, Angootuna, northeast of Alice Springs. Ngkweyang is an important and nutritious food source. Not a habitual practice now, the Aboriginal people would collect these seeds, burn them to remove small hairs, and grind them into a paste for making damper (bread).
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.
