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Catalogue Number: 26/250
This painting tells the story of Aboriginal women living in remote communities in Central Australia who go out onto their Country to look for honey ants, a traditional bush food that has been enjoyed by families for many generations.
Honey ants live deep underground, often around the roots of mulga trees. Women carefully search for signs on the ground that show where the ants may be hiding, then gently dig into the earth to uncover them. The honey-filled ants are considered a sweet treat and are shared among family when found.
The knowledge of how to find honey ants is an important part of cultural learning. Mothers, aunties, and grandmothers teach children where to look, how to recognise the signs and how to dig carefully without damaging the surrounding Country. Through these trips into the bush, young people learn about food gathering.
The painting celebrates the strength of Aboriginal women as teachers and knowledge holders. It reflects the deep connection between people and Country and shows how cultural traditions continue to be passed from one generation to the next, keeping culture strong.