The Mbantua Festival has been on for the past few days and we have had tickets for the weekend sessions. This is a festival of the Arrente people and it's about 10 years since the last festival was held. We've learned a lot about the Arrente people while we've been here and we've been able to participate in some workshops.
On Saturday morning Robert attended a workshop given by the Hermansberg Watercolour Artists, he sat next to Albert Namatjira's grand-daughter, and Cherryl learned how to make Bush Medicines (yes they really work). For lunch we had a mixed plate of bush foods - smoked kangaroo, bush tomato relish and other delicacies.
In the afternoon Robert listened to the Forum while Cherryl learned how to make jewellery from the small red beans of the Bean Tree. Holes are burned through the beans using heated wire.
Sunday saw us back at the festival. Cherryl learned weaving in the morning and pottery in the afternoon.
The festival was held at the Old Telegraph Station, near the Original Alice Springs waterhole. There was plenty of art on display in the Art Market and the Desert Art Show.
We were entertained by the Ninja Kids Circus as we ate our lunch.
There were plenty of activities to keep adults and children occupied and the backdrop was beautiful.
We're leaving Alice Springs tomorrow after 4 enjoyable weeks. We're heading back into South Australia.
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