Bush Tucker - Honey Ants by Karen Taylor, 15x34cm FJ572KT

"Bush Tucker - Honey Ants" by Karen Taylor captures the significance of the Honey Ant Dreaming, a major cultural connection among various language groups, including the three hills at Papunya in Central Australia. In this location, ancestral Honey Ants returned to the ground after their Dreaming travels. Ceremonies are performed here to re-enact the ancient journey and revitalize the supply of honey ants, an essential food source and medicine for sore throats and colds.

In this painting, U-shapes represent women shown beside their digging sticks as they dig into the underground cavities of the honey ant nest. The depiction highlights the traditional practice of gathering honey ants, showcasing the deep cultural and practical importance of this activity.

Karen Taylor was born in 1967 in Port Augusta, South Australia. Her language groups are Yankunytjatjara-Lurija/Adnyamathananha - Arabana. She began painting by assisting her grandmother and later developed her own distinct style based on the ancestral stories passed down to her. Taylor’s artwork not only preserves and celebrates the rich cultural heritage of her people but also showcases the intricate connections between the land, its resources, and the traditional knowledge that sustains Aboriginal communities. Her paintings are a testament to the enduring legacy and cultural wisdom of her ancestors.