Image 1 of 1
Free postage within Australia
Catalogue: 25/93
This painting is about the Ruby Saltbush, a native plant found in Central Australia. This plant grows after heavy rains, usually near waterholes and under gidgee trees. After rain the saltbush produces small berries that have a salty-sweet taste. When the berries turn black they are ready to eat. Aboriginal people sometimes soak the berries in water to make a warm tea.
The curved shapes in the painting show women sitting together in the bush gathering the berries. They place them in a coolamon, (the oval shape) which is a traditional wooden bowl that was used for carrying bush tucker in the old days.