This painting represents the Dreaming and totem of the wild bush onion.

The wild bush onion (yalke) is a significant plant to certain people who own the Dreaming and totem to it. The onions must be collected in a certain way according to Eastern Arrernte (tribal) Law.

In winter time when the top of the plant has died off, the onions are ready to be gathered by the women. The ground is pounded with a rock made into an arc shape and then systematically dug by hand from one side to the other. The onions are cooked in hot sand near the camp fire.

The women also pay homage to the spirit of the bush onion in their ceremonies to ensure its perpetual germination

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

• Aboriginal Food
• Aboriginal Dreamtime Stories
• Aboriginal Women