June Bird Ngale b. c1954

This painting depicts Alpar, a significant source of sustenance, used both for food and for medicinal purposes. This herb is sticky to touch and has a distinctive citrus scent, and it produces shiny black seeds that can be ground into a powder to make damper, a type of bread. Ceremonies relating to this plant are carried out to pay homage to the plant and ensure it continues to regenerate and flourish. The leaves of alpar are collected for medicinal as well as food purposes; gathered and dried in the sun, ground into a fine powder, and mixed with animal fats and oils to create a healing balm.