Women gathering Bush Tucker by June Sultan, 23x31cm FJ023JS

June Sultan's artwork, "Women Gathering Bush Tucker," beautifully captures the essence of traditional Aboriginal food foraging. Handwritten on the back of the canvas, the artist lists bush tucker items such as quandong, passionfruit, honey ants, and witchetty grubs. The painting features U-shaped symbols representing women, depicted alongside their gathering bowls, known as coolamons, and digging sticks, essential tools for collecting bush tucker.

June Sultan hails from the Kaytetye clan of Barrow Creek in the Northern Territory. Her family is rich in artistic talent, encompassing both musicians and painters, with June continuing this legacy through her evocative artwork. The representation of women in her painting underscores the vital role they play in gathering bush tucker, which includes a wide variety of native foods such as fruits, seeds, and insects.

The depiction of these traditional practices not only highlights the importance of bush tucker in Aboriginal culture but also serves as a testament to the intricate knowledge and skills passed down through generations. June Sultan's work provides a valuable glimpse into the cultural heritage of the Aboriginal people of Central Australia, celebrating their deep connection to the land and its resources.