Women Body Painting by Mary Dixon Nungurrayi - 69 x 90 cm (#MDN 010706)

This painting by Mary Dixon Nungurrayi depicts the story of Women Body Painting. 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 was a senior custodian for this dreaming (Deceased 2020). 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.

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