Women and Honey Ants Dreaming by Lynette Granites Nampitjinpa - Bush Tucker 90 x 150 cm (#LGN 280908)

This painting by Lynette Granites Nampitjinpa depicts Honey Ants and Bush Tucker dreaming.

In mythical times as Women Ancestors traveled through Warlpiri country, they created geographical features in that area and performed ceremonies that included dancing, singing and painting their bodies. Ancestors also taught Aboriginal people how to collect food. After that they went underground and changed into honey ants.

In the middle of the painting Lynette has shown a Ceremonial place represented by concentric circles. In the middle of this painting there are two underground chambers filled with larvae. The 'U' shapes symbolise camping women and next to them their digging sticks and oval shaped 'Coolamons' or wooden dishes. Two circles on the top and bottom of this painting are filled up with honey ants and larvae. The undulating lines symbolise underground chambers of insects as well as Ancestral traveling routes.

Native ants produce sweet nectar in their abdomens, regarded as a delicacy among Aboriginal people. This was the main source of glucose for natives of Central Australia.

The white bold dots are witchetty grubs - rich in protein. On the edges there are bush tomatoes, bananas and other fruits.

Lynette is a respected senior woman in regard to her traditional knowledge and artistic creativity. Lynette has inherited many important Dreamings from her husband Harry Nelson Jakamarra (deceased 2021). Her works are represented in Australia and Overseas.