The painting depicts the seed of the pencil yam plant, a principal food source (bush tucker), gathered by the women from Alhalkere country, Utopia in Central Australia.

Ceremonies which include song and dance are performed by the women to pay homage to the spirit of the yam plant to ensure perpetual germination.

If you would like to know more about the Yam Seed Dreaming and the relationship with Aboriginal Art and culture, please read the following articles or to view video footage of Womens ceremony:

• Aboriginal Food
• Aboriginal Women
• Awelye
• Utopia Aboriginal Art: Aboriginal Paintings from the Central Desert




• Aboriginal women dancing - Video Yuendumu women dancing during Awelye ceremony