11 LN005
Liddy Nelson Nakamarra Yumurrpa - Big Bush Potato 2002
Etching: Sugar lift painting, aquatint & a la poupee inking on 1 plate 490x320mm, 760x560mm $550
Story: This print and Liddy’s other Bush Potato print titled ‘Wapatali’ together depict the epic battle between
the big bush potato and the little bush potato. It is a metaphor for how the Warlpiri people learnt to live in
harmony with one another. When reading these two stories it is important to understand that the men are the
big bush potatoes and the women are the little bush potatoes. They existed as people during the creation time
but also represent plants, and an important food source, each of which competes for space in the harsh desert
environment. The Tjupurrula and Tjakamarra men (father’s and son’s) fight with men of the same skin groups
from a different tribe over women who are depicted in Liddy’s other ‘Bush Potato’ print. The women are of the
Napurrula and Nakamarra skin groups, Sisters and daughters to the men, and mothers and daughters to each
other. The women bring the little bush potato to the men as food. While the full story is a narrative battle that
took place during the creation period referred to as the Dreamtime, it is also a major ceremony, which is re-
enacted to this day in Warlpiri culture.

Medium: Etching
Edition Size: 99
Printer: Natasha Rowell and Basil Hall
Studio: Basil Hall Editions, Darwin
Etching Created At: Lajamanu, NT on July, 2002
Print Published: Darwin, NT on October, 2002
Paper: Hahnemuhle 350gm
Paper Height: 760 mm ( 29.9" )
Paper Width: 560 mm ( 22.0" )
Image Height: 495 mm ( 19.5" )
Image Width: 325 mm ( 12.8" )
I.D. : LN005