Aboriginal Painting - Bush Cabbage

Aboriginal Painting Title: Bush Cabbage
Aboriginal Artist: Kathleen Martin Nungarrayi
Size: 46 x 46 cm. Unframed
Medium: Acrylic on canvas

Authenticity:
COA and pictures of the artist holding and signing her work will be provided.

Story:

Bush tucker, also known as bushfood, encompasses any food native to Australia that has been traditionally used as sustenance by the Aboriginal Australians. However, it extends beyond the continent and culture to describe any native fauna or flora utilized for culinary and/or medicinal purposes.

Indigenous Australian Meats

Examples of Australian native animal foods (meats) include kangaroo, emu, and crocodile. Kangaroo meat, in particular, is commonly available in Australian supermarkets and is often more affordable than beef. Other animals such as goanna and witchetty grubs were also staples in the diet of Aboriginal Australians. Additionally, fish and shellfish are integral to the culinary traditions of Australian coastal communities.

Australian Native Plant Foods and Spices

Australian native plant foods showcase a diverse range of flavors and textures. These include the fruit quandong, kutjera, muntries, riberry, Davidson’s plum, and finger lime. Native spices like lemon myrtle, mountain pepper, and the Kakadu plum add unique flavors to dishes. Popular leafy vegetables such as warrigal greens are also enjoyed. Nuts like bunya nuts and the iconic macadamia nut are prized for their taste and nutritional value.

Aboriginal Uses of Fungi

While knowledge of Aboriginal uses of fungi is limited, certain varieties such as beefsteak fungus and native “bread” (a fungus) were likely consumed.