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Awelye (Body Paint Design)by Myrtle PetyarreThe painting depicts Awelye, a specific ceremonial body paint design associated with Arnkerrth (The Mountain Devil Lizard Dreaming). Awelye roughly translates to "women's business" and includes all ceremonies and rituals associated with women. During ceremonies Aboriginal women paint their breast, shoulders and neck with an ochre paste. Song lines and dance cycles are included in the ceremonies. The most senior law women will led the ceremony. In this painting Myrtle illustrates the sacred ceremonial designs that pay homage to the Mountain Devil Lizard. The story of the Mountain Devil Lizard is very significant for the people of Utopia. The story has been made famous by the Seven Petyarre Sisters of Utopia, Mrytle being one of the sisters. The Mountain Devil Lizard also known as the Thorny Devil Lizard is one of the many animal totems from the area. Lizards are a substantial part of Central Australian Aboriginal people's diet and hunting trips and ceremonies continue today. The Dreamtime story of the Mountain Devil Lizard tells of the Old Woman Mountain Dezil Lizard who travelled the vast regions of Atnangker country near Utopia, there she would define the landscape and identify the sacred sites for the people.
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ArtistMyrtle Petyarre was born c.1932 at Utopia Station in Central Australia. She is known as one of the known 'Petyarre Sisters' , a sisterhod which includes highly collectable artists Kathleen Petyarre and Gloria Petyarre. All seven of the sisters are well known artists. Sadly, both Nancy Kunoth Petyarre and Ada Bird Petyarre passed away in 2010, leaving behind Kathleen Petyarre, Gloria Petyarre, Violet Petyarre and Jean Petyarre. In March 2014 Mrytle Petyarre passed away after an illness. Myrtle was involved with the Utopia Women’s Batik group since its inception in the early 70’s and made the swift movement to acrylics in 1988 with CAAMA's Summer Project. Myrtle is known for her bold linear patterns illustrating Awelye (women's ceremonial body paint designs) for her main Dreamtime story, Arnkerrthe (Mountain Devil Lizard). Artist has Passed Away1932 - 25/03/2014 Out of respect for Aboriginal culture Central Art has removed the artist's photograph. |
Why Sabine likes thisI like this painting for a number of reasons, firstly the subtle palette of colours. When I look at the painting I am mesmorised by the curving lines. I enjoy the story of the Mountain Devil Lizard and how Mrytle pays homage to this important Dreaming through her ceremonial designs. |
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