The painting refers to Napurrula and Nakamarra women,as they gathered bush potato (Yarla). The bush potato grows fibrous tubers underground and the women must use their digging sticks to locate them.

The Bush Potato is a staple food source (bush tucker) for Aboriginal People living in regions of Central Australia, and is celebrated in womens ceremonies, where they pay homage to the spirit of Bush Potato plant, through song and dance cycles.

The meandering lines illustrate the root system and the branches of the bush potato plant. The circle in the centre represents the hole, where the women must dig to find the roots of the potato plant.

The potatoes are gathered and carried in a Coolamon (wooden dish) and are cooked in hot coals at the camp-site.

If you would like to know more about the Bush Potato and the relationship with Aboriginal Art and culture, please read the following articles:

• Aboriginal Food
• Aboriginal Women