Nyalpi Punu Ilkuwara (Leaf of Ilkuwara Tree) (466C-22), 2022

stoneware
23 cm height, 12 cm base diameter
$1,100

Catalogue Number: 466C-22
Provenance: Ernabella Arts

Favourite bush foods of Anangu Pitjantjatjara include maku (witchetty grub). Until recently, bush foods were the primary sustenance for Anangu Pitjantjatjara. Many bush foods are still gathered regularly almost exclusively by women, thus they feature strongly in women’s mark making.

Women learn the art of gathering each of the foods from a young age and much inma (ceremony) relates to these practices and the maintenance of supply. Anangu say that eating maku is good for the brain and mental health. Maku live in the ilkuwara tree, and this design is a depiction of the leaves.