The painting depicts the Dreamtime Sisters (guardian spirits). 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. Eastern Arrernte people have deep spiritual respect for the Dreamtime spirits.

• The four figures represent the Dreamtime Sisters
• The red shapes represent the protected Dreaming sites
• The wavy white patterned symbol (centre) represents a totem stick
• The roundels represent the waterholes
• The connecting red lines represent the creek beds

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

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