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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: Prudence Scott

Language: Ngaanyatjarra

Community: Mantamaru (Jameson)

Biography:

Watching Prudence paint is like listening to stories from long ago. Her narrative-rich and figurative works are charming and intriguing. They denote the stories that Prudence has listened to over the years from elders and community. She now shares these through her art and brings to life the characters and settings with strong painterly work. Common stories you will see surround the two boys who turned into the large proud Rocks that now look over Blackstone, the night sky and the sand hills, the hunters and the deep rock holes frequented by community.

She is a strong and beautiful woman who works with the kids from Jameson community running hip hop and dance classes. Her work is equally as strong and carries with it invaluable cultural stories from her mothers and fathers land. 

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