NAPOLEAN OUI | 'Rainforest Shield Design Wabarr gabay-barra (hunting for termites / white ants) III' | Woodblock print

"Men, women and children would go looking for termites in the rainforest. When they found a termite mound they would grab their spears and stick them in the termite mound to see if any termites were in there. If so, then the children and women would put honey or something that is sticky and edible on the ends of the spears and put them in the mound. Because of the sticky substance the termites would get stuck to the spears and then they would pull out the spear and eat the termites. It was a relaxing time for the tribe or clan to bond and also an exercise for the children to practice their hunting skills. Maybe this is where the idea of the lollypop was invented." - Napolean Oui 

Napoleon Oui is a Djabugay man who explores his connection to rainforest bama (people), landscape and culture through his art. Inspired by the ancient tradition of rainforest shield designs and totemic motifs, Napoleon’s bold designs are iconic and indicative of a style only found in the rainforest region of Far North Queensland.

NAPOLEAN OUI | 'Rainforest Shield Design Wabarr gabay-barra/Hunting for termites (white ants) III' | 2012 | Woodblock print | Edition of 10 | 76 (h) x 56 (w) cm