Yarra - shield

craft

This small, engraved wooden shield, painted in red ochre, was recently returned to the Yindjibarndi by the family of a German gardener who had collected artefacts in 1911 from Millstream Station where he had gone to work. Although he didn't stay long, the German collected a number of artefacts from the Yindjibarndi people who were working and living there. Kept in his family for many years, his descendants have now returned the shield back to its home country and family. Its small size suggests a ceremonial rather than utilitarian purpose. Culturally, shields are highly prized objects, used to lead dancers into the dance ground, and engraved with patterns that reflect the carvers’ origins.

Available at:

Ganalili Centre and Juluwarlu Aboriginal Corporation

Ganalili - A Place of New Beginnings

Ganalili is the Yindjibarndi word for the light in the morning before the rising of the sun. Living up to its name of new beginnings, the centre is set in Roebourne’s old Victoria Hotel, a site of...

Address:

38 Roe Street
Roebourne WA 6718
Australia

Open Hours

Nov to March Mon to Sat 9am - 3pm, Sun 9am - 2pm; April to October Mon to Sat 9am - 5pm, Sun 9am - 2pm

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