Ngkwerlp (Wild Tabacco) Story | 30h x 30w | RK470
Not stretched or framed | Acrylic on canvas
Violet Payne Ngale paints the story of the wild tobacco or pituri (Nicotiana spp.). In Violet's language it is called Ngkwerlp. This herb has soft leaves and creamy white, trumpet shaped flowers with two-valved seed capsules. Occurring naturally in Central Australia, it is found plentiful in Violet's home in the Utopia Region, north east of Alice Springs. The leaf of the plant is picked and chewed by the aboriginal people and can also be used for medicinal purposes. In the olden days, and in some areas today, the seeds would be collected and replanted by the aboriginal people.
Dot work represents the seeds of the Ngkwerlp, a very important aspect of the story, promoting growth. The Ilkawerne women (U shaped symbols) are collecting the Ngkwerlp and have their digging sticks and coolamons (carved wooden bowls).
Provenance
Mbantua Gallery, Alice Springs NT
Red Kangaroo Gallery, Sydney, NSW
This painting does not come with a photo of the artist holding the work.
