Purnarrika (Water Lily)
Maker
Michelle Woody (b.1972)
Date
2017
Description
Purnarrika is Tiwi for waterlily. The tuberous roots from the purnarrika are dug up out of the mud, cleaned and peeled, then eaten. The round fruit are also collected and the seeds eaten. They are oily in taste. The flowers can also be eaten without any preparation.
A long time ago the Tiwi would collect the flower of the fruit. The heart of the flower was eaten to cure sore throats and colds.
The Tiwi say Waterlillies must not be pulled out otherwise very heavy rains will fall. If unseasonable heavy rain occurs then it is believed the waterlillies must have been disturbed.
Copyright for both Painting and Text remains with the Artist(s) and may not be reproduced without permission.
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