Joy Petyarre

Joy paints the seed of the Bush Yam. The Desert yam is an important food source for the Aboriginal people from Utopia in central Australia. It has an impressive root system, spreading up to twelve metres from the stalk, and is commonly found in woodland areas near to a water source. Its bright green leaves and yellow flowers, can spread over quite a wide area, growing strongly until after the rainfall months when it is harvested by digging it out of the ground. By depicting the Yam Dreaming in their paintings, Aboriginal artists are able to pay homage to the ancestors who provided this significant plant and encourage its continual rejuvenation.

The women perform in their Awelye (body paint) ceremonies certain songlines and dance cycles to show respect for their country and to ensure continued productivity of the Desert yam.