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1984
Language Group:Anmatyerre
Country:Ilkawerne (El-go-an-na) , Utopia Region, North East of Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Medium:Acrylic on Canvas and Linen
Subjects:Alpar (Rat-Tail Plant) Story, Awelye (Women's Ceremony), Imuna (Bush Food)
Karen is daughter to Lindsay Bird, a senior elder for Ilkawerne country and prominent male Utopia artist. Along with the other younger women, Karen is taught by the senior women the stories, songs and dances associated with ceremonies. In turn, they learn what themes they are allowed to paint. One of Karen's main Dreamtime stories is of the Alpar (Rat-tail plant) Seed Story. In the olden time, women would collect this seed, crush it and use it in making damper (bread).
Karen paints the story of the rat-tail goosefoot or green crumbweed plant. In Karen's language it is called Alpar. This small, erect herb is sticky to touch and scented heavily of citrus. Growing especially well in Mulga tree communities, it is found in abundance in Karen's home in the Utopia Region, north east of Alice Springs.
