Image from 'Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali…we weave together’ publication by Arts Northern Rivers. Photo: Kate Holmes.
A groundbreaking exhibition by Arts Northern Rivers, Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali, celebrates the rich tapestry of indigenous weaving traditions, while also marking a poignant homecoming for ancestral artefacts.
WRITTEN BY ALISON BONE
In a powerful reclamation of cultural identity, the Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali exhibition sees woven artefacts displayed on their ancestral grounds — Bundjalung lands in the Northern Rivers — for the first time. Touring major regional galleries of Grafton, Lismore and Tweed, the exhibition aims to reconnect individuals with their ancestral roots through shared artistic practices.
Bridging ancient traditions and wisdom with contemporary expressions, the Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali exhibition combines nine intricately woven Bundjalung ancestral bags from the Australian Museum collection, with ten newly commissioned works by contemporary artists from Bundjalung, Yaegl, Gumbaynggirr, and Kamilaroi communities. “It’s a unique showcase and an exciting homecoming, one that weaves our history into the present,” says Kylie Caldwell, curator of the exhibition.
Of deep cultural significance, indigenous weaving practices date back more than 50,000 years, with the use of different grasses, barks and pigments creating regional variations. Woven objects such as mats, bowls and dilly bags or ‘dili’, have practical purposes, but are also items of beauty. In addition, weaving has traditionally been seen as way to share cultural knowledge, and connect people with country.
Contemporary works on show include ‘Dili’ by multidisciplinary artist and curator, Bindimu, a Bundjalung, Gugu Yalanji, Gooreng Gooreng, Melanesian woman. She explains, “the process of weaving a dili begins with the plants and the place, a conscious and cautious collection. This dili embodies the sacredness of this embryonic relationship, a process that intricately weaves together multiple ecosystems.”
Also on display is ‘Dyinda on Country’ by Bundjalung/Yaegl artist Krystal Randall, who has designed wearable art from raffia, emu feathers and paper cortege, representing matriarchs on country. “I have envisioned matriarchs wearing these pieces in special ceremonies, dancing and taking the younger generation out on country to gather pieces, and to show them how to weave and make their own cultural wear,” she says.
Renowned arts and cultural leader, actress and director, Rhoda Roberts AO, has also created a piece for the exhibition, entitled, ‘Continuous Persistence’ which is made of lomandra grass harvested on country. “Weaving is more than art, it’s an essence of the circular rhythm that can be continuous and has been crafted from the provisions of country. We have returned full circle, to the old ways where once our grandmothers gathered under the trees, weaving,” she says.
A catalyst for the exhibition, the book 'Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali...we weave together', was written and compiled by Roberts and Caldwell. Visually stunning, it brings to life inspiring stories of weavers and elders, while also exploring historic museum collections, traditional plant species and harvesting techniques. “For me personally, weaving is listening and hearing the stories. It’s getting the knowledge from our old people, elders and custodians who often didn’t have a voice in this history of this country. That gives you such strong sense of strength and belonging and pride. It’s a reawakening,” says Roberts. Published by Arts Northern Rivers, the book follows four years of workshops with local weavers, who shared their knowledge and techniques with Aboriginal communities across the Bundjalung region, and in so doing helped revitalise age old weaving practices.
Weaving history into contemporary narratives, Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali empowers current and future generations to embrace their cultural identities through art. Catch the exhibition at Grafton Regional Gallery from 21 December 2024 to 9 January 2025, Tweed Regional Gallery from 22 February to 27 April, and Lismore Regional Gallery, from 12 September - 9 November 2025.
Image from 'Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali…we weave together’ publication by Arts Northern Rivers. Photo: Kate Holmes.
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