Bush Medicine

Joycie Morton Petyarre

There are many sacred Dreamtime stories that belong to Joycie’s country of which play a significant part in her ceremonies and culture. One of her main Dreamings is the story of Bush Medicine which she has depicted in this painting. There are different types of bush medicine in the Central Desert. Joycie said, “We grind leaves, flowers and seeds then boil ni oil.” It is then used as an ointment. Joycie said, “Good for sore skin, itchy, pain. anything! Also, we boil them in water and drink. Good for kidney, flu etc. It lowers blood pressure too. Yeah, really good one!”

In this painting, dot work represents Joycie’s Country.