Arts & Crafts
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Boomerangs
The boomerang is the long range weapon of the Australian Aborigine and is unique to Australia. Uses include hunting, tribal warfare and ceremonial and corroboree music. Boomerangs are traditionally sourced from Mulga or Black Wattle. Returning boomerangs were made from roots of these trees which already had the right shape. This is because the tips of a boomerang will break off when it hits the ground unless the grain of the wood follows the shape.
For ceremonial purposes boomerangs were richly decorated with Aboriginal Artwork. Usually the decorations related specifically to the corroboree or ceremony where the boomerangs were to be used. I have both unpainted (plain, clear stain) and painted (traditional or contemporary design) boomerangs in three sizes. You can also purchase a 10 page guide to Boomerangs, illustrating their history, types and how to throw. Before painting, I purchase the boomerang from a local group who shape and carve the boomerang from timber mill off-cuts.
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Dimensions: (small: 27cm x 6cm; Medium: 48cm x 8cm; Large: 58cm x 8cm)
AUD $45; $32; $18
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Guide to Boomerangs
AUD $6
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Clap Sticks
Clapsticks are a percussion instrument that accompany dancing and singing during traditional Aboriginal corroborees. Clap sticks are played by striking one against the other to provide particular rhythms. The clapsticks are made from a variety of native Australian timbers (recycled timber and off-cuts from mills) and I select these timbers based on good sound quality. I have both round and flat style clapsticks with either traditional or contemporary designs.
Dimensions: (approx 20cm in length; pair)
AUD $38.50
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Bullroarers
The Bullroarer is a secret musical instrument, used in initiation ceremonies (for, among other things warning women and the uninitiated that a ceremony was commencing). It is an elongated flat piece of wood, which when swung produces a buzzing sound. The sound was explained to women as angry cries of spirit beings. It was also used in some parts of the country as a children's toy as well as being used for magical purposes Bullroarers are thin tear-shaped pieces of wood attached to a long cord. To use a bullroarer, spin it around it's own axis, holding the end of the string in a big circle above your head. If done correctly the bullroarer will produce an eerie whirring sound that carries well in the barren landscape of Australia. It's said that bullroarers were used in secret Aboriginal ceremonies. Other people believe bullroarers were used as the Aboriginal 'bush telephone', to communicate over long distances. I paint both traditional and contemporary designs on the bullroarers. They are also available with no design but are painted with clear stain for protection.
Dimensions: (31cm height x 7 cm width)
AUD $58
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Message Stones
Indigenous Australians have used message stones in daily life for thousands of years. Each stone brings the giver good luck and the receiver safety against mischievous or evil spirits. As I paint each message stone, the image emerges as I think about and visualize indigenous stories, symbols and country. You can purchase individual stones or a set of 10 stones. If you order a set, I ensure that the stones are varied in colour, shape and design. They make a wonderful gift and do not require any special occasion.
Dimensions: (approx 3cm)
AUD $4.80; $40 (set of 10)
As an optional extra, I have also hand-painted gift boxes to store your message stones, using traditional earth colours, followed by a clear lacquer. Choose from three shapes, round, oval or hexagon.
Dimensions: (10-15cm)
AUD $14.50
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Message Stones
Message Stones
Gift Boxes
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Memory Stones Game
Memory is a game that was played by Indigenous children of the Northern Territory to remember and identify the surrounding country. Sticks and Stones representing different landmarks in the area are placed on the ground by one child (a leader) and the other children (players) try to remember the arrangement. The players then face away from the stones and in turn, try to call out the landmarks in order. When someone makes a mistake, another player attempts to call out the correct order. When someone calls the correct order, they take on the role as leader and have the responsibility of arranging the sticks and stones for the next round. I have created a series of 12 painted stones that represent different Aboriginal themes (landmarks, animals and artifacts). When you order the memory game, these stones come with a felt mat in a gift box I have hand-painted in contemporary colours.
Dimensions: (stones: approx 3cm; gift box: approx 10-15cm)
AUD $66.50
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Memory Stone Game
Gift Box
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Rain-maker
I developed the Rain-maker as an alternative to the indigenous bamboo rain stick. Rain-maker simulates the sound of rainfall by tipping it from end to end. Beads are encased in the stick with a series of stoppers to ensure the beads do not fall from one end to the other too quickly, mimicking the sound of rain. I put together the Rain-maker using a recycled hard cardboard casing, stoppers and beads, and then paint it using a contemporary indigenous design that depicts the flow of water. As rain glistens in the sun, I use a combination of either gold or silver paint, with traditional earth colours.
Dimensions: (approx 60cm)
AUD $38
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Didgeridoos
Didgeridoos are an international icon of Australian Aboriginal music. The original didgeridoo is developed from termite hollowed hardwood and is said to have three main properties that are interconnected to produce its unique sound: amplification and modification of the player’s own voice; spirituality through the delicate patterns and grooves left by the termites, and artistic expression of aboriginal culture through hand painted designs. I paint didgeridoos in a contemporary indigenous style. I can also organize other local indigenous artists if you would like a traditional or specific design (eg. animal totems). The price of a didgeridoo depends very much on quality of the structure, whether it is termite hollowed (authentic) or hand carved, and the hours required for the design. For these reasons, I do not provide a fixed price.
To make a request, click here. Your request will come through with your order and I will e-mail you photographs of available didgeridoos that meet your specifications (with corresponding prices) for you to choose from. Each didgeridoo comes with its own artdigenous drawstring cover.
Dimensions: (1m plus)
AUD $250 - $2000
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