The painting depicts to two significant elements; Awelye and Bush Melon; referring to the late Minnie Pwerle's homeland of Atnwengerrp, Utopia in Central Australia.

Illustrated symbols are:

• The U shapes represent a woman
• The lines represent body markings
• The small circles represent the bush melon


Awelye refers to womens ceremonies and body paint. The Anmatyerre women anoint their upper body with oil and apply ochre markings, before dancing their ceremony.


The bush melon (bush tucker) is said to be found only in Atnwengerrp. The Anmatyerre women gather the fruit to be eaten or dried and stored to be consumed when bush tucker was scarce.


If you would like to know more about Awelye & Bush Melon and the relationship with Aboriginal Art and culture, please read the following articles or to view video clip of Aboriginal Women applying body paint design: -

• Awelye (Womens Ceremony) Art
• Aboriginal Women
• Aboriginal Food
• Utopia Aboriginal Art: Aboriginal Paintings from the Central Desert
• Tribute in Memory of Minnie Pwerle's Art
• Video of Aboriginal Women applying body paint design