KONSTANTINA - BUGI YARRA (BATHE IN EUCALYPTUS)

 KONSTANTINA
BUGI YARRA (BATHE IN EUCALYPTUS),  2023
91 x 91 cm
Synthetic Polymer Paint on Belgian Linen
 
PROVENANCE
Gadi, Eora
Direct from artist, NSWCooee Art, NSW 
 
STORY
Translation: Bathe in EucalyptusYarra, particularly the Yarra now called Eucalyptus pulverulenta was used by the Gadi as the antiseptic and anaesthetic cure-all. It’s long stems filled with silver blue heart shaped leaves were collected by women and laid in saltwater birthing places. This would ensure a clean and sterilised birthing situation and reduce risks of post-part I’m infection.The tree itself emits a beautiful red crystal looking sap. When the tree is ‘bled’ the sap was lead to harden on a rock, turning it to a stone. This was then grind down into powder and applied to any all open would to avoid infection. There is evidence of this method being the sole antiseptic and anaesthetic used in the Sydney regions tooth evolution ceremonies and in keeping cicatrices scars clean.