This Aboriginal painting represents Annamurra, which is referred to by the artist as yam country. The connecting loops depicted represents the yam plant.

Yams were once an important bush tucker food for Aboriginal people in Central Australia. There are many spignificant Dreaming rituals surrounding the plant. It is still commonly eaten even today. It is a slender twining plant with yellow pea flowers throughout the year. Aboriginal people from the desert dig them up in creekbeds. They look for the white roots, then cook them in the hot earth beside the fire until they are just firm.

If you would like to know more about Annamurra (My Country) and the relationship with Aboriginal Art and culture, please read the following articles:

• Aboriginal Food
• Utopia Aboriginal Paintings from the Central Desert