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Donald Kemarre Thompson – Apernelheyel

Apernelheyel is to rub oneself with paint or ochre in preparation for ceremony. Donald’s painting depicts the kind of patterns seen on the bodies of men during ceremonial song and dance.

“A lot of Lore songs, men are painted up and singing. Men paint themselves behind a humpy, women are singing then men come out and the singing women turn around to face the men, men dance a cycle of many songs, too much song.” Donald Kemarre Thompson aka Crook hat.



Dimensions: 61 x 30 cm Acrylic on Cotton

Categories: Artists of Ampilatwatja

Name: Donald Kemarre Thompson

Language: Alyawarre

Community: Ampilatwatja

Biography:

Donald Kemarre Thompson was one of several senior law men instrumental in the 2009 Ampilatwatja walk off that was in response to the governments intervention. Born in 1936 Donald still carves highly sort after artifacts that are made by hand under the shade of an old milk wood tree.

Donald's artefacts; "langarras" (coolamons), woomeras, boomerangs and spears are made with the experience, wisdom and knowledge of the past and his carvings are made with a deep  desire to keep culture and tradition alive. 

"We need the young fellas to continue to learn the old ways. Some forget, but we are still holding onto the old way. Keeping it alive, you can't wipe it out, it has to keep going." - Donald

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© the artist / art centre