Awelye Ahakeye by Tanya Bird Mpetyane (SOLD)

This painting is certified by Utopia Lane Gallery as an authentic and original Aboriginal artwork hand painted by Tanya Bird. Awelye is a term used to describe women's ceremony and all that it encompasses such as ceremonial body paint designs. The patterns and designs in this painting are influenced by these. Ahakeye are little currants that are often referred to as bush plums. They grow on the Canthium attenuatum shrub which grows about 3m high. This shrub produces small white flowers, deep green citrus-like leaves and the currents which are black when ripe and very small. This fruit is favoured for its sweet taste and can be reconstituted in water if dry. Also in this painting, women are depicted by U shaped symbols with ceremonial sticks.