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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: Selena Joy Lane


Language: Ngaanyatjarra


Community: Papulankutja (Blackstone)


Biography:

Selena was born at Kalgoorie then taken home with her parents to Blackstone where she has lived all her life. She attended Blackstone Primary and High School (Up to Year10). After leaving school Selena worked with the Home and Community Care Program and the Women's Centre. She has two children with Lachlan Mitchell. Selena likes to paint Dreamtime stories from the Ngaanyatjarra Lands. Her mother is Sarah Lane who is also a painter at Papulankutja Artists.


© the artist / art centre