Within Emily's vision across this early 'lined' painting, is the yam increase centres linking an underground network from which growth will erupt and transform the landscape. This network is also viewed on the ground's surface, showing where yams lie ready for harvesting.

Always linked to Emily's validity of expression is 'Awelye' – the ceremonial expression that invokes the spiritual power maintaining Nature's fertility and hardiness. Body painting lines are fundamental to the participatory role of women in ceremony, and this practice unfailingly links to this painting.

The belief that good seasons always return, that the yam 'always comes back', is fundamental to understanding the desert environment, and the belief system underpinning the role of ceremony that ensures this.

JANET HOLT