PAINTING STORY

Kanta Jukurrpa (Women's Dreaming) - Bush Medicine

Aboriginal medicine is widely practised in the Northern Territory today. It is a complex system closely linked to the culture and beliefs of the people, their understanding of the land and its flora and fauna. It is a holistic approach, intergrating the social, physical and spiritual aspects of health and life. the Warlpiri health system includes the ngangkayikirli or traditional healers; the Yuwulyu cermonies, (Napangardi Women's Jukurrpa); and the Herbal or Bush Medicine. Depicted in the painting are the bush medicine plants that grow on tradtional homelands in the Northern Territory, plants that have been collected by the women. TheWarlpri have extensive knowledge of plants, and the use of bush medicine is shared by the whole family and not to any particular group.

Over fifty different medicinal plants have been recorded, all containing biological active compounds. They are mainly used symptomatically for coughs and colds, pains and aches, and digestive problems. Some are used as dressings for wounds and sores. Plants used on sores and wounds contain proteolytic enzymes that help in healing.

Artist:  Patricia Nakamarra Oldfield

GARMENT INFO

• Organically grown wild bamboo
• Loose fit - Large Sizes, most people go down one size
• Chest pocket
• Bamboo wood-look buttons

COMPOSITION

65%  Bamboo Fiber  35% Cotton