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Catalogue Number: 26/240
This painting tells the story of harvesting bush tobacco, a plant that grows naturally across the country in Central Australia. For many generations, Aboriginal people have known where to find this important plant and how to prepare it for use.
Women travel out into the bush to collect the fresh green leaves. After gathering them, they spread the leaves out in the sun to dry. Once the leaves are completely dry, they are crushed into small pieces and stored in a tin. Sometimes ash is mixed with the tobacco to make it less strong and easier to use.
Bush tobacco has been used by local Aboriginal people for a very long time and is often chewed. The knowledge of where the plant grows, the right time to pick it, and the traditional way of preparing it has been carefully passed down from Elders to younger generations.
This painting celebrates the continuing practice of harvesting bush tobacco and honours the cultural knowledge that connects people to Country. It shows the importance of sharing traditional skills and keeping these customs strong so they can continue for future generations.