Ahakeye (Bush Plum) Dreaming by Lindsay Bird Mpetyane (SOLD)

In this painting, concentric circles represent the site of Bush Plum trees, an important tree because of the berries it produces. This fruit is favoured for its sweet taste and, like many desert berries, can be reconstituted in water if dry.

Parallel lines stemming from the concentric circles represent songlines (or travelling lines) of the Ilkawerne people associated with this story. Arc linear designs that appear attached to these lines represent men.

This story, its songs, dances and symbols have been passed down to Lindsay from his father.

 

Artist: Lindsay Bird
Skin name: Mpetyane (also spelled Mbitjana)
Language group: Anmatyerre
Country: Ilkawerne
Area: Utopia Region, Central Australia
Born: c. 1942

• Medium: Synthetic polymer paint on canvas
• Size of painting: 60cm x 60cm
• Size of canvas border: Approx 6cm
• Background colour: Grey