Bush Tucker Honey Ants Set of 3 and Coolamon

Australian Aboriginals have eaten native animal and plant foods for an estimated 60,000 years. Our Indigenous Bush Tucker range celebrates this Culture knowledge and traditions by allowing Educators to quickly incorporate traditional bush foods into their curriculum. 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.

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 in other areas. 

Made from felt and wood. Ants measure 4.5 x 2cm. Coolamon measures 11 x 8cm. Ages 3yrs+.