My name is Mariah Akamarre and I am a proud Alyawarre woman. My story is called Awelye: Teaching Awelye to Young Girls and was passed down to me by my Nanna, Barbara Weir. Each element is a representation of how our traditions are passed down.

 

Women’s Awelye is painted on the upper body and breasts during ceremonies, where the women show their respect and love for the land. These traditions are then taught to the younger generation of girls along with particular dances and songs. Awelye is a sacred tradition and practiced only by Anmatyerre and Alyawarre women.