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Catalogue Number: 25/289
This painting shows the bush medicine flowers that grow across Central Australia. These plants grow wild in the desert, often on rocky outcrops and along the sides of hills. After a big rain, the tiny yellow flowers begin to appear, bringing colour back to the dry country. The leaves turn green and this is when Aboriginal women go out to collect them.
The curved shapes in the painting represent the women sitting on the ground. Beside them are their digging sticks, and in front of them are oval coolamons. Coolamons were wooden bowls used in the old days to carry food, water, and small items. They were like baskets and were very important tools for everyday life.
People living in this area know this bush medicine plant well. They recognise the little flowers and understand when the plant is ready to harvest. The women crush the green leaves and boil them in water. The warm water can then be used to wash the skin and helps to soothe colds, flu, body pains, and skin irritations.
This painting celebrates knowledge that has been passed down through many generations. It shows the strong connection between women, Country, and the healing plants that grow after the rain.