- Title: Red Bush Apple
- Artist: Irene Mungatopi
- Region: Tiwi Islands
- Art Centre: Munupi Arts and Crafts
- Medium: Etching
- Collection: Replant Folio
- Dimensions: 33 x 25 cm
- Edition Size: 40
- Price ($AUD): $ 330
Artwork Story
The Red Bush Apple, (Syzygium suborbiculare), is a common and well known bush tucker in north Australia, however, a rare form occurs in coastal areas on the Tiwi Islands and some other coastal areas. It has pink fruit that are particularly tasty, it is called pinyama, the Pink Beach Apple. The fruit are produced during Jamutakari, the wet season, and sometimes they are produced in profusion. They are one of the most important Tiwi bush foods.
The shape of the pinyama fruit as interpreted by Irene are very similar to the shape of the traditional, uniquely Tiwi fighting clubs produced by senior Tiwi men. In the past these clubs were deadly weapons used in hand-to-hand combat by Tiwi warriors, but now they are mainly prepared for sale to tourists visiting the Tiwi Islands.
Glenn Wightman