Indigenous Bush Tucker Set - Honey Ants & Coolamon

The National Quality Standard (NQS) makes it essential for Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) services and educators to understand, and help children learn about, the history, culture and contemporary lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Australian Aboriginals have eaten native animal and plant foods for an estimated 60,000 years.

Our Bush Tucker range celebrates this cultural knowledge and traditions by allowing Educators to quickly incorporate traditional bush foods into their curriculum. Found in Australia's arid or semiarid environments Honey Ants are ants that have swollen abdomens full of sweet honeydew. Traditionally gathered by women from nests found under shrubs or trees and collected in coolamons, the honey is sucked from the abdomen taking care not to kill or hurt the ant (whilst not getting bitten) allowing the ants to continue making more honey. Honey Ants also feature in traditional artworks with the honey ant said to be the earthly manifestation of the Seven Sisters. 

The Dreaming story for the Yerramp (Honey Ant) belongs to Ngkwarlerlanem and Arnkawenyerr in northern Utopia and connects to other stories across other areas.

Developed in respectful partnership with Lavina Bennell Art, an Awe & Wonder employee, and Noongar Elder Neville Collard, an Aboriginal consultant for Awe & Wonder.

Made from felt.

EYLF Learning Outcome Connections

Outcome 2.1: Children develop understanding and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander histories, cultures and traditions as they explore the cultural significance of Honey Ants and Bush Tucker.

Outcome 2.4: Children deepen their understanding of Australia's natural environments and native species through exploration of traditional Bush Tucker knowledge.