A trip to the Lutheran Archives uncovers lost treasures

Not that long ago, Alicia Wegener and Bryan Elliott of Finke River Mission (FRM) attended Lutheran Archives to work with the staff to clear out items that had been in temporary storage for over 10 years.

Many hours of sorting through old paperwork, assorted boxes and tubes later, they had not only significantly reduced the excess of documents, but had uncovered an authentic and certified painting, Honey Ants (Yerrampe), by artist Julie Lechlietner. They also found dozens of wooden artifacts, including boomerangs and wommeras.

Julie’s painting, Yerrampe, illustrates honey ants and the work ants in their nests. The nectar from the honey ant is a valuable food source for the aboriginal people. The women follow the tracks of the yerrampe to the small holes that reveal the entrance to their nest, represented by the concentric circle in the painting. Using their digging sticks, they dig along the shaft until the honey ants are found, then drag them out with a little stick. Only the sweet nectar is sucked from the abdomen of the honey ant – the head is discarded.

Julie has been painting in the dot style for a number of years and focuses mainly on the Australian bush foods. Both Julie’s father, an Amatyerre man from Mt Allan, and sister, Wendy, are known for their artwork.

The painting will be framed and will be on display at Frome House (the new location for the Churchwide Office) along with other items.

FRM is grateful for Pastor Rob Borgas, who kindly came into Archer Street to assist in looking through the boxes and tubes.

Biographical info from Josh van Haaren, Mbantua Gallery, Alice Springs