Awelye

Rosemary has painted Awelye – women’s ceremony. These designs are painted onto the chest, breasts arms and thighs. Powders ground from red and yellow clays (called ochres) together with ash, and charcoal are used as body paint. The women sing their songs associated with their Awelye as they wait their turn to be ‘painted up.’

This ‘paint’ is applied with a flat stick with soft padding called ‘Typale’. Women perform Awelye ceremonies to thank and show respect for their country and what it gives to them – for their health, and well being of their community.