Hair String Story by Mary Dixon Nungurrayi - 86 x 90 cm (#MDN 240810)

This painting by Mary Dixon Nungurrayi depicts the story of Hair String. In mythical times Women Ancestors had travelled through Warlpiri Country. As they travelled, they created many geographical features in that area; they also performed ceremonies (dancing, singing, and painting bodies). They had shown people how to make strings from hair - using them for ceremonies and in everyday life.

Mary (Deceased 2020) was a senior custodian for this Dreaming. The concentric circles in the middle of this painting represent a ceremonial place. Semi - circles stand for designs painted on women's bodies during ceremonies. The sinusoid lines represent hair strings.

Mary's style is valued for the use of intricate dotting. Her works are represented in Australia and Overseas.