Women gathering Bush Tucker by June Sultan, 31x31cm FJ041JS

"Women Gathering Bush Tucker" by June Sultan showcases a variety of valued bush foods. These include quandong (Santalum acuminatum), also known as desert peaches, wild passionfruit (Capparis spinosa var. nummularia), honey ants, which have been used for thousands of years as a tasty treat and medicine for sore throats, and witchetty grubs (Endoxyla leucomochla), large, white larvae of several moths, consumed either raw or cooked.

In the painting, U-shaped symbols represent women, depicted beside their gathering bowls (coolamons) and digging sticks, essential tools for collecting bush tucker. 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.

Sultan’s artwork highlights the crucial role of women in gathering bush tucker, reflecting the deep cultural significance and traditional knowledge passed down through generations. This depiction not only emphasizes the diversity and nutritional value of the Aboriginal diet but also celebrates the profound connection of the Aboriginal people to their land and its resources.