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Catalogue Number: 25/281
This painting shows a special time when Aboriginal women gather together for ceremony. It is a time of preparation, learning, and sharing. The women collect ochre from the earth and grind it on a flat rock until it becomes a soft, fine powder. They mix this powder with water to make paint. Ochre is a natural colour from the land, and it can be red, yellow, white, or brown depending on where it is found.
The women use this paint to decorate their bodies with patterns that carry deep meaning. These designs can tell stories about Country, family, ancestors, and the women’s responsibilities in ceremony. Every line, dot, and shape has a purpose.
Older women guide the younger ones and show them how to prepare the ochre, how to place the designs on the body, and what each symbol means. This teaching is passed down from grandmothers, aunties, and mothers.
The painting celebrates women’s strength, the sharing of knowledge, and the deep connection between people, land, and tradition. It reminds us that ceremony is not only about the moment—it is about keeping stories alive for the next generation.