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  • Title: Green Ant Nest
  • Artist: Fiona Hall
  • Region: South Australia
  • Art Centre: Independent artist
  • Medium: Etching
  • Collection: Replant Folio
  • Dimensions: 33 x 25 cm
  • Edition Size:
  • Price ($AUD): $ 1100

Artwork Story

Notes:
This print is only available as part of the Replant Folio of 12 etchings $5,500

The leaves of the Ghost Gum, (Corymbia bella) (previously Eucalyptus papuana) have been formed into a Green Ant nest; this is unusual as larger, broader leaves are generally preferred by Green Ants (Oecophylla smaragdina).

 

Green Ants are used as medicine by MalakMalak people and are called pirrinykam. The nest is crushed in the hands and the juice is rubbed over the skin, this also stops the skin from feeling itchy. The large mother or queen ants are eaten to treat colds and influenza; they have a sharp taste. Many other Aboriginal groups also use these ants as medicine and food. The green abdomen of workers can be eaten, it has a pleasant tangy taste caused by the formic acid they contain, which has medicinal properties as a mild expectorant and antimicrobial. Glenn Wightman 2006

 

Copyright 2006 This work and documentation is the copyright of the artist and author and may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the artist or author.

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