Bush Hen Dreaming by Rita Kemarre Loy, 36 x 122cm 6026RL

Rita Kemarre Loy is also known as Rita Pwerle or Purle. These are linguistic variations on this skin name for the Utopia Region. Rita is the sister of well known artist Abie Kemarre Loy and the daughter of Margaret Loy.

In this painting titled "Bush Hen Dreaming", Rita has depicted the tracks of the bush hen (Indigenous plains turkey, or bustard ardeotis australis)) in its flight from the Arlparre area to the Ilyente (Mosquito Bore) area, the 'country' of, or land belonging to, Rita Purle's kinsman, and classificatory brother, old Louis Purle.

From time to time, the large bird descends from its flight to walk along the ground, eating seeds and grasses particular to its dietary requirements. An important component of its diet are desert raisins (solanum berries) which are depicted in this painting.

In the 'old days' this large bird was killed with a boomerang and cooked with Red River Gum leaves, and even today when it is shot with a rifle, it is considered a great delicacy. (text Dr Christine Nicholls)