The painting depicts Aboriginal iconography referring to the underground edible tubers of the pencil yam plant in winter. The Aboriginal women from Utopia gather the bush yam, a principal food source (bush tucker) for Aboriginal people living in Central Australia.

The women pay homage to the spirit of the yam plant in their ceremonies to ensure perpetual germination. The pattern represents awelye, body paint associated with womens ceremony.

If you would like to know more about the Wild Bush Yam Dreaming and the relationship with Aboriginal Art and culture, please read the following articles:

• Aboriginal Symbols and their Meanings
• Aboriginal Food
• Aboriginal Women