- Title: Long Yam
- Artist: Deborah Wurrkidj
- Region: Arnhem Land
- Art Centre: Maningrida Arts & Culture
- Medium: Etching
- Collection: Replant Single Prints
- Dimensions: 33 x 25 cm
- Edition Size: 40
- Price ($AUD): $ 330
Artwork Story
Long Yam, (Dioscorea transversa).
The Long Yam or Karrabardak in Deborah’s language (Kuninjku), is the most favoured and largest native yam in the tropical areas of the Northern Territory. The yam of this species can be eaten raw or lightly roasted; they taste similar to Sweet Potato but have a more pleasant flavour. In the past it was one of the most important food resources for many Aboriginal groups in the early dry season when the yams are fat and full of flavour.
When the Spear Grass stems dry off it indicates that the yams are fat ready to be dug. The climbing stems are followed down to the ground and a large hole is dug around the yam so that it can be pulled out in one piece, excavating yams is hard work and requires skill, it is a job usually undertaken by senior women. The head of the yam is often broken off and replanted in the hole, so there are yams again next season.
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 from the artist or author.