VIOLET PETYARRE - AWELYE BODY PAINTING

 VIOLET PETYARRE
AWELYE BODY PAINTING,  2007
137 x 137cm
synthetic polymer paint on belgian linen
 
PROVENANCE
Utopia, NT
Gallerie Australis, SACoo-ee Aboriginal Art Gallery, NSWaccompanied by a Gallerie Australis certificate 
 
STORY
The Arrkerrthe (Thorny Devil Lizard ) goes travelling with his woman. He goes as far as Arrkentje which is approximately half-way between Mosquito Bore and Tennant Creek.He leaves his woman there, and then continues on by himself to a very large waterhole at Tennant Creek where he stays. It is forbidden for women to go to this place-it is very dangerous. The men make a hair belt and apron to wear for the ceremony at this place. This painting depicts the Awelye ceremonial body paint design used by the women in the Awelye ceremony