Depicted in this work are traditional types of bush tucker. During the pujiman (traditional, desert dwelling) period, Martu would traverse very large distances annually in small family groups, moving seasonally from water source to water source, and hunting and gathering bush tucker as they went. Whilst desert life has moved away from mobile hunter-gatherer subsistence throughout the course of the twentieth century, bush tucker continues to be a significant component of the modern Martu diet. Hunting and gathering bush tucker remains equally valuable as an important cultural practice that is passed on intergenerationally. Though hunting and gathering implements have been modernised, methods of harvesting, tracking and the use of fire burning to drive animals from their retreats are still commonly practiced today.
Typically, animals hunted for their kuwiyi (meat) include kirti-kirti (euro kangaroo) and marlu (plains kangaroo), parnajarrpa (sand goanna), kipara (Australian bustard, bush turkey) and karlaya (emu). Lunki (witchetty grub) and wuukurta (honey ants) are dug from tree and bush trunks, or from underground nests. Popular mayi (plant food) includes minyarra (bush onion), collected from small, grass like plants; root vegetables dug from underground such as kulyu and mata (types of bush potato); and seeds such as kalaru (samphire, salt bush),yuwinyji, and marnkalpa (spinifex species). Jawirli (quondong), wamurla (bush tomatoes), jinyjiwirrily (wild gooseberry), ngaputa (melon), and karlkula (bush banana) are some of the most popular bush fruits. These are often collected in the wantajarra (cool season) and tuulpara (spring) months, along with juri (sweet) botanical gums and wama (nectar), obtained from various plant species.
Traditional tools used for hunting and gathering bush tucker were carved from wanari (mulga), mulunturu (desert oak), yurungkura (river red gum) and mijarrpa (bloodwoods), and included kurlata (spears), jurna (hitting stick), karli (boomerangs), wana (digging-sticks), piti (timber bowls used for carrying food and water), and jiwa (grinding stones for grinding seeds into flour). While carved objects retain enormous social and ceremonial importance in Martu life, they are no longer used for hunting and gathering.
Our standard charge for parcels under 5kgs to anywhere in Australia is $30AU per package, that has been included into the price of the artwork. TNT is used to ship all goods. Limitation of Liability Unless otherwise stated, the artworks sold in accordance with these terms and conditions are sold without warranties or representations of any kind. To the maximum extent permitted by law the liability of Martumili Artists for the sale of any artwork shall be limited to the sale price of the artwork. TNT is used to ship all goods. Applicable Laws These Terms and Conditions of Sale of artworks by Martumili Artists are subject to laws applicable in Western Australia.
Martumili Artists Refund policy
There are no refunds unless otherwise communicated with Martumili Artists
Martumili Artists Return policy
There are no returns unless otherwise communicated with Martumili Artists
The 2022 Revealed Aboriginal Art Market has now closed
Thank you for supporting the ethical purchase of authentic Australian Indigenous art through the online Revealed Aboriginal Art Market and for supporting all of the incredible participating art centres and artists.
To those who purchased a work of art – enjoy your selection! Art centre staff and Independent Artists are already carefully packing and freighting your precious packages, so if you have an enquiry about your purchase, please contact the art centre or artist directly.