Aboriginal Painting - Damper Seeds

Aboriginal Painting Title: Damper Seeds
Aboriginal Artist: Raelene Williams Ngala
Size: 90 x 60 cm unframed
Medium: Acrylic on canvas

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

Story:

This artwork beautifully depicts Damper Seeds, highlighting the traditional process by which Aboriginal women gather and prepare these seeds.

The Gathering and Preparation of Damper Seeds

Aboriginal women collect the damper seeds and bring them back to their camp, where they sort and grind them into flour. The artist intricately illustrates the seed pods attached to the stems, showcasing the fine details of this essential process.

Traditional Damper: A Nutritious Staple

A damper is made by crushing a variety of native seeds, and sometimes nuts and roots, into a dough, which is then baked in the coals of a fire. This traditional bread is rich in protein and carbohydrates, contributing to a balanced diet. Remarkably, millstones used for grinding seeds into flour have been dated back 50,000 years, underscoring the ancient origins of this practice.

The Role of Music Sticks

In addition to its culinary significance, damper preparation is often accompanied by cultural activities. Music sticks are used during dance cycles and songlines, adding a rhythmic element to these traditional gatherings.