Women's Body Paint for Ceremony by Abie Loy Kemarre, 152x110cm

"Women's Body Paint for Ceremony" by Abie Loy Kemarre is a powerful artwork that symbolises the Awelye (Body Painting) designs worn on the upper torso during traditional ceremonies. Awelye, an Anmatyerre term, refers to women's ceremonies and the specific designs applied to their bodies as part of these rituals. This sacred practice is exclusively performed by Aboriginal women and remains a vital aspect of their cultural heritage.

Awelye ceremonies emphasise the maternal role of women, connecting the land with fertility to celebrate its bounty and ensure its continued flourishing. During these ceremonies, women paint each other's bodies using organic materials like ochre, charcoal, or ash. The intricate designs they create are deeply meaningful, relating to a woman's Dreaming, skin name, and position within the community.