The painting shows a ceremony in full flow. At the centre is the holy ground. The vertical bars and the 'breastplate' arcs between them represent the dancing women, flanked by...
The painting shows a ceremony in full flow. At the centre is the holy ground. The vertical bars and the "breastplate" arcs between them represent the dancing women, flanked by clustered circles - the distinctive groups of celebrants that can be seen at the work's four corners. The prominent curving lines have several meanings: they suggest the flow of water and the force of fire from above (lightning, as well as earthly flames) - but they are also marks of mourning.