Medicine Leaves (Square)

Stephanie Singh-Highfold

Size: 100 x 100cm

The Story: Stephanie Singh-Highfold is a proud Ngarrindjeri, Kokatha, and Warlpiri woman who calls Adelaide home. Stephanies skin name, Nabanunga, was given to her by Emily Rankine, a Warlpiri woman from Ali Curung — a community north of Alice Springs, where Stephanie was born.

This work draws on the traditional knowledge of bush medicine leaves, which have long been used to treat bites, wounds, skin infections, and rashes. The leaves are also infused in hot water to create healing teas. Traditionally gathered by women, the leaves are boiled and mashed with animal fats to produce a medicinal paste that can be stored and used for many months.