Bush Medicine Leaf Dreaming by Abie Loy Kemarre, 92x92cm

"Bush Medicine" by Abie Loy Kemarre intricately depicts the leaf of the antywerleny (Acacia tenuissima), a type of wattle integral to Aboriginal medicinal practices. The antywerleny leaves are traditionally crushed and mixed with animal fat to create a medicinal ointment or soaked in water for a therapeutic wash. Abie emphasizes that this bush medicine remains in use today by her community.

In her words, "Ikwerthey anter-anem thelem, apernelheyew-anem antywerlenyel" translates to "Then you pour the fat into it and rub yourself with the antywerleny." This painting captures the dynamic essence of the leaves employed in healing rituals. The knowledge of these medicinal plants, preserved through ceremonies and song cycles, transforms the seemingly harsh desert landscape into a rich source of sustenance and healing.