Awely Atnwengerrp by Minnie Pwerle (SOLD)

The stripes in this painting illustrate the women’s ceremonial body paint designs for the ancestral dreamtime stories of Minnie Pwerle's country, Atnwengerrp.

Women’s ceremonies, called Awely, demonstrate respect for the land and ensure well-being and happiness within their communities while honouring ancestors of the past.

The small circular designs in this painting represent the Anemangkerr, a small globular fruit similar to a small melon. This fruit is high in Vitamin C and is favoured for its exceptional keeping qualities. The ancestral dreamtime stories associated with the Anemangkerr belongs to Atnwengerrp and Irrwelty Country. This ancient red country lies in the heartland of Alyawarr land, northeast of Alice Springs, in Central Australia. 

Artist

Minnie Pwerle
Skin name: Pwerle (also spelled Apwerl, Pwerl, Pula)
Language group: Alyawarr
Country: Atnwengerrp and Irrwelty
Area: Utopia Region, Central Australia
Born: c. 1922