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Feather Trees
It would appear that there is no particular cultural significance
attached to the making of Feather Trees, but rather that they
are decorative items. There is, however, an allusion to both
flowering trees and to viewing the night sky(stars) through
the branches of a tree. Therein perhaps a loose connection
with the Morning Star intrinsic to the culture of Elcho Island
is evident.
Rose Mamuniny necklace
Seed Necklace
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Jewellery
The processes associated with the making of contemporary jewellery is grounded
in traditional practice. Production stages today - the collection of materials
(seeds, shells, feathers and string making); their preparation (drilling
holes, stringing) finishing and storage are essentially those that have been
used over generations. The collection of shells and seeds, though incredibly
time consuming, becomes a sharing time and an opportunity for traditional
processes to be passed from one generation to another. Similarly the preparation
of the materials - cleaning, removing shellfish, drilling holes - is an activity
which involves many people.
Shell necklace
More contemporary techniques for threading
and clasping are being developed with the assistance of trained
artisans from
other parts of Australia. The aim is that these beautifully varied and
colourful pieces will maintain the integrity of traditional
processes and natural materials
while developing greater commercial viability.
Jewellery Boxes by Gali
Earrings by Gali
Necklace by Gali
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