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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: Margie Leo


Language: Pitjantjatjara


Community: Papulankutja (Blackstone)


Biography:

Margie was born in Alice Springs in 1975. She spent her youth and did her schooling in Pukatja Community on the APY Lands before moving to Yuendumu in the Northern Territory. Margie began painting in 1994, predominantly painting Lukarrara Tjukurrpa (Desert Fringe Rush Seed Dreaming), and exploring themes such as bush tucker and bush medicine. Margie began painting with Papulankutja Artists shortly after moving to Blackstone in 2022.


© the artist / art centre