Aboriginal Sacred Country 6Pack Baubles 2026

Michelle Possum was born at Napperby Station, Northwest of Alice Springs in the Northern Territory. She was taught to paint by her father Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri. Clifford is the most renowned painter of the founding group of Papunya artists. Michelle’s work has a strong connection to her father, family and land. Her paintings can incorporate strong figurative elements as well as important topography relating to her family’s country, such as the abundance of food and water.

For Khatija Possum, painting is in her blood. A descendant of the famous Clifford Possum Tjapaltjarri, Khatija has paved her own way and made a name for herself in the art world. Born in 1989 in Alice Springs in the Northern Territory, she has been deeply influenced by her grandfather, Clifford Possum, and her mother, Michelle Possum Nungurrayi artwork. When Khatija was nine, her mother began to paint again and it was at this time that Khatija fell in love with her mother’s work and indeed painting. Through observing and assisting her mother Khatija learnt to paint. It is this process that highlights the importance of art in keeping culture alive as stories and skills are passed from one generation to the next.

As a mother herself, the importance of keeping her cultural heritage strong is of great consequence. Khatija currently lives with her partner John and three children in Adelaide.

All Sacred Country Design Stories

This collection features artwork by two talented First Nations artists- Michelle Possum and Khatija Possum, sharing stories and traditions passed down through generations. Each design reflects the rich landscapes, vibrant colour, and cultural heritage of Western Australia, bringing the spirit of the land into your festive seasons.

Grandmother's Country

In this artwork, Michelle describes the many important cultural sites she knows well. It is populated not only with plants and food resources and waterholes, but also with people sitting in the landscape – men with hunting implements and women with digging sticks and coolamons.

In addition to sacred landmarks and iconography, Michelle's artwork includes important bush tucker and waterholes, making a meaningful connection to modern kitchens, the source of such provisions.

Women's Love Story

Love is inseparable from Country — a spiritual bond where people and land care for one another. It’s reflected in respect for Elders, the keepers of wisdom and stories, whose guidance sustains community and culture. Love is also expressed through preserving traditions, ceremonies, and language — sharing the Dreaming stories that connect people to their land and identity, ensuring culture continues for future generations.

Witchetty Grubs

Witchetty grubs are more than just a food source; they're deeply embedded in the cultural and spiritual life of Aboriginal communities. They often feature in Dreamtime stories, teaching about the land and its resources. The grubs represent resilience and the ability to thrive in harsh environments. The "tracks" or paths of witchetty grubs aren't usually about physical trails, but more about the knowledge and stories connected to them. These "tracks" represent the understanding of where to find them, how to harvest them sustainably, and the cultural stories that explain their significance. It's like a map of knowledge passed down through generations.

Bush Flowers

Bush flowers can be a food source, and they also hold cultural and spiritual significance in some communities. Back in the early days a lot of my ancestors used certain bush flowers for the sick and pain and still to this very day we still use them. In the NT lies a land of many types of bush flowers where the spirit of the desert whispers ancient stories in them, this is the home of bush flowers, not just any bush flowers, but tiny bursts of life emerging after rains, painting our lands with their beauties.

Waterhole Dreaming

In this Dreaming story from Pupunya, NT, the Rainbow Serpent is the mighty creator who shaped the land, carving valleys, rivers, and sacred waterholes. As she slithered through the red earth, she left life-giving water in her path. The waterhole is her resting place, reflecting rainbow colours in the sun. She is both protector and giver, warning that Country must be respected. Mimi spirits dance nearby, reminding all to honour the balance between creation and chaos and never disturb the waterholes.

Women's Body Paint

Aboriginal women's body paint is a powerful form of storytelling and cultural expression. The specific meanings can vary depending on the community, the occasion, and the individual artist. The colors, patterns, and materials used all carry significance. For example, ochre (a natural earth pigment) is commonly used and represents the earth and spirituality. The act of painting itself is often a sacred process, connecting the women to their ancestors and the land. It's a way of maintaining and celebrating their cultural heritage.