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Minyarra (bush onion)

Minyarra (bush onion) are a favoured bush tucker amongst the Martu, popular for their sweet, nutty taste and for the relative ease with which they are foraged. Typically, minyarra is collected in large quantities close to springs, and then shared and eaten over the following days. The minyarra plant is small and grass like, with edible tubers at the root. They can be eaten raw or cooked, and are harvested by first loosening the soil at their base with a pounding stone, and then pulling out the plant.  

During the pujiman (traditional, desert dwelling) period, Martu would traverse very large distances annually in small family groups, moving seasonally from water source to water source, and hunting and gathering bush tucker as they went. Whilst desert life has moved away from mobile hunter-gatherer subsistence throughout the course of the twentieth century, bush tucker continues to be a significant component of the modern Martu diet. Hunting and gathering bush tucker remains equally valuable as an important cultural practice that is passed on intergenerationally. Though hunting and gathering implements have been modernised, methods of harvesting, tracking and the use of fire burning to drive animals from their retreats are still commonly practiced today.

Name: Mayika Chapman


Language: Manyjilyjarra


Community: Parnngurr


Biography:

I am a Warnman and Manyjilyjarra. Father side is Warnman. Mothers side is Manyjilyjarra. I grew up in Parnngurr, now I live in Parnngurr but also different places in the Pilbara. I am originally from Punmu but moved and grew up in Parnnngurr. Painting makes me calm and relax. Painting makes you feel good, makes you feel good and do good things for others. Painting makes you good, your mind. It Makes you relaxed. 


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