The linear designs in this painting represent women's ceremonial body paint designs. These designs are painted onto the chest, breasts, arms and thighs of the women. Powders ground from ochre (clays), charcoal and ash are used as body paint and applied with a flat stick with soft padding. This stick is called ‘typale’. The women sing as each woman takes her turn to be ‘painted-up’. Women perform ceremonies to demonstrate respect for their country and the total well-being and health of their…
