19 cmD x 15 cmH
Emu feathers, Black Turkey feathers, Rooster feather, Kangaroo, Bandicoot & Possum jaws, Echidna & Kangaroo bones, Lemongrass, Ginger, Possum tail, Stone, 100% cotton
Puripuri, Mai or Black magic (sorcery) is practiced across the Torres Strait and Papua New Guinea in a great many of communities. I have gathered my inspiration of this Culture Basket from Posin Bag’s, or a Sharman’s Bag, having great connection through marriage with Papua New Guinea. Being of Torres Strait heritage we also share the connection to puripuri (black magic). Having been told many stories about Posin Bag’s and the power contained with in them, has given me great inspiration to create my own contemporary version of one.
Within the weaving, this work has many elements that you would find in an active Posin Bag. This work is made entirely from emu feathers, with lemongrass, black bird feathers and an array of bones. Inside the lid are a few special pieces including a possum tail giving a direct link to my Gunditjmara heritage and the traditionally wearing of possum skin cloaks from this country. The basket also possess a painted stone which represents the keeper of the basket - the spirit of the basket.
The Culture basket is created from the spirit of the environment in which it comes from. Traditionally the spirit is put into the bag. It details the great connection to country and the nature that is intertwined into it’s being.
24.5cm x 14.5cm x 45cm
Emu Feathers, Parrot Feathers, Cockatoo Feathers, Gala Feathers, Pheasant Feathers, Peacock Feathers, Alpaca Wool, 100% Cottons, Wools, Hemp Fibre, Twine, 100 year old Ship Rope, Pandanus Fibre, Shark Vertebrae.
Lisa gathered great inspiration on a recent exhibition at the Koorie Heritage Trust in Melbourne, where she was commissioned to create a piece that would complement their weaving collection. She spent some time in the depths of their collection, gathering insight and motivation from their stories, materials and beauty. The collection features traditional and contemporary feather and fibre craft practices that existed pre-invasion, and that have continued to evolve over the past 200 years.
Through this investigation Lisa created Joining Country which features many collected found materials from nature and from an array of Country, such as Boonwurrung, Wurrundjeri, Taungurung and Yorta Yorta. Her intention was to create a connection through these stories and materials, to join the different lands into one piece, reflecting the beauty and strength of the women whom have resided and shared cultural strength to their people for thousands of years.