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Women collecting bush foods

The Anangu people travelled vast desert landscapes, following the seasons for food and shelter, deeply attuned to the rhythms of the land. This resilience and wisdom embedded in traditional bush foods that sustained them across generations.

Maku (Witchety Grubs), with their creamy, nutty flavour, represent survival and the resourcefulness to draw nourishment from deep within tree roots. Kampurarrpa (Desert Raisins), small and tangy, add brightness and essential nutrients to desert diets, thriving under intense sun.

Ipalu (Bush Banana), a climbing vine with crisp, slender fruits, offers fibre and hydration—a refreshing staple in arid climates. Ili (Bush Figs), with their mild sweetness, grow from rugged trees, offering a delicate treat in the harsh terrain.

Through vibrant colours and intricate designs, these bush foods embody the spirit of Ngaanyatjarra culture, each a testament to the land’s gifts and the knowledge passed through generations.

Categories: Papulankutja Artists

Name: Chantelle (Jessica) Lyons

Language: Ngaanyatjarra

Biography:

Chantelle lived in Papulankutja (Blackstone) for most of her childhood. She spent two years in Alice Springs boarding at Yirara College in 2007-08 before returning to Papulankutja for the rest of her school years. Having grown up in a small community, surrounded by family and with a lot of freedom she found living in the town very constrictive. Chantelle's mother Mildred Lyons and her aunties Paula, Joy and Angela Lyons are all painters at Papulankutja Artists as well.

In adulthood she moved east to Mimili in the APY Lands in South Australia to be with her husband Con Campbell. They have one daughter who was born in 2013. They lived in Mimili for nine years before moving back to Papulankutja in 2019. She loves drawing in her journal and is inspired by visions she has in dreams of beautiful things. 

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