The painting depicts the Dreamtime Sisters. Eastern Arrernte Aboriginal people from central Australia call the spirits 'Irrernte-arenye'.

It is their role to guard special areas of land in particular sacred sites. In this painting the three patterned shape emerging represents the protected Dreaming site.

Explanation of the symbols and figures illustrated are:

• The three figures represent the Dreamtime Sisters
• The three patterned shapes represent the protected Dreaming sites
• The two wavy lines emerging from the protected sites represent the Totem sticks
• The many roundels depicted throughout the painting represent the water holes
• The lines connected with the roundels represent the creek beds
• The large circle above the figures represents also a significant Dreaming site

If you would like to know more about Dreamtime Sisters and the relationship with Aboriginal Art and culture, please read the following articles:

• Aboriginal Dreamtime Stories
• Aboriginal Spirituality
• Aboriginal Symbols and their Meanings