Women gathering Bush Tucker by June Sultan, 31x31cm FJ024JS

"Women Gathering Bush Tucker" by June Sultan vividly illustrates Aboriginal women foraging for native foods. The artist has handwritten on the back of the canvas a list of depicted bush tucker, including plum, quandong, orange, tomato, sultana, honey-ant, and witchetty grubs. The U-shaped symbols in the painting represent the women, shown alongside their gathering bowls, known as coolamons, and digging sticks, essential tools for collecting these traditional foods.

June Sultan, from the Kaytetye clan of Barrow Creek in the Northern Territory, comes from a family rich in artistic talent, including musicians and painters. Her artwork highlights the vital role of women in gathering bush tucker, emphasizing the deep cultural significance of this practice.

The depiction of various bush foods underscores the diversity of the Aboriginal diet, which includes a wide range of fruits, seeds, and insects. June Sultan’s work celebrates the intricate knowledge and skills passed down through generations, showcasing the Aboriginal people's profound connection to their land and its resources.