The border and lines that run through the work are known as orriseegé or 'pathways' and provide a compositional framework for the designs. The or'e (path) designs are ancient and...
The border and lines that run through the work are known as orriseegé or 'pathways' and provide a compositional framework for the designs. The or'e (path) designs are ancient and originate from the time of the Ancestors and relate to the intricate footpaths that run through food gardens and garden plots.
The design of triangles that also form crosses is kumunnai, representing an ancestral spear used during times of tribal warfare. The spear was made from the heavy and strong wood, black palm.
The spots within the orriseegé and kumunnai design are known as sabu ahe, representing the spots which can be seen on the sides of a wood-boring grub. This grub is sacred to Ömie people as it plays an important part within the creation Story of how Huvaimo (Mount Lamington) came to be volcanic. It is a traditional soru'e (tattoo design) which was most commonly tattooed running in one line under both eyes. Today it is applied to Ömie people' faces for dance performances with natural pigments.
This painting is one of the last works Batilda created before she passed away.