Betty Mbitjana Biography

Betty is the daughter of the late Minnie Pwerle and half sister of Barabara Weir who are both major artist. Betty inherited the Awelye Dreaming from her mother. Awelye (women’s ceremony) also describes the specific patterns used in designs women paint on their bodies. The ceremonial aspect helps women recall their ancestors to show respect for their country. It also connects to fertility of land and celebration of country. The Awelye ceremony begins with the women painting each others' bodies in designs relating to a particular women's Dreaming and in accordance with their skin name and tribal hierarchy. The Awelye designs represent a range of Dreamings including animals and plants, healing and law and is never performed in the company of men. The designs are painted on the breasts and shoulders using powders ground from ochre, charcoal and ash. It is applied with a flat stick with padding. Betty Mbitjana is the custodian of the Awelye Dreaming.