State Library of South Australia

Mawgu - edible grub [B 70065] • Photograph

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Summary

Photograph, in postcard format, of an edible grub. The description, in pencil on the reverse side, thought to have been written by Daisy Bates, reads: 'These grubs of various kinds and sizes are of the greatest value to the Aborigines. They are a constant stand-by as food, and are found in most trees and tree roots, especially in dry areas. Their taste is that of almonds. Some very large species are the totems of the tribes in whose areas they are found. The largest and longest I have seen is called "barra birdi" in Central Australia. The length was over four inches and its thickness nearly an inch. Two of these make a satisfactory breakfast. Each tree and shrub has its own species of grub which later changes into a moth. If our early explorers had known of these grubs, there would have been no tragedies.'

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Physical description

Photograph; 13.2 cm x 8.7 cm

Dates / Publication details

Approximately 1915

Collection

Part of Daisy Bates Collection.

Subject

Wild foods -- Australia, Central
Aboriginal Australians -- Australia, Central -- Nutrition

Catalogue record

Return to catalogue

Digitisation information

Date

04/08/2006

Format

image/tiff

Resolution

3,313 x 2,108 pixels (7.0 MP)

Size

20.98 MB

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