Coral Hayes Pananka

Coral Hayes Pananka was born in Balranald NSW as a descendant of the Yorta Yorta people of the Mooroopna/Shepparton region of Victoria and now resides in Adelaide.

Coral’s totem is the Long Neck Turtle which her mother Kitty Smith Murray and her grandmother Alice belong to.

Being also a descendant of the Arunta people of Alice Springs, her totem is also the eagle called Ertija which belonged to her grandmother Julie Hughes. Coral’s father Billy Hughes was very proud of his totem -- the green caterpillar Yeperenye.

Coral paints with full respect for her ancestors in the dreaming and often depicts the work women do on country for their communities, such as ensuring the supply of seasonal bush foods, medicines and looking after water sources.

Throughout the painting "Women Gathering Bush Tucker", we see the women with their digging sticks with the circles representing significant locations and campsites.

Says Coral: "This painting covers a large area of my country and represents traditional life against lush bushlands and all the wild fruits, vegetables, Witchetty Grubs and Honey Ants."

We are happy to report that the beautiful Women Gathering Bush Tucker has been passed on to new owners.