Ancestral woven art returns to Bundjalung Country

Ancestral woven objects will return to Bundjalung Country for the first time in a landmark exhibition celebrating the interwoven histories and practices of the Bundjalung people.

The Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali exhibition, presented by Arts Northern Rivers and curated by artist Kylie Caldwell, will showcase nine ancestral pieces from the Australian Museum collection alongside ten newly commissioned works by contemporary First Nations artists.

The exhibition will tour Lismore, Tweed, and Grafton regional galleries in 2025.

Ms Caldwell said the exhibition was a powerful reunion of ancient and modern cultural practices.

“Each weaver’s story is interconnected in one way or another. They all have a strong appreciation and respect for renewing and continuing our ancient woven cultural practices.

“This is an exciting homecoming, one that weaves our history into the present.”

Artists contributing work to the exhibition are Bindimu, Casino Wake Up Time, Janelle Duncan, Madeleine Grace, Lauren Jarrett, Tania Marlowe, Bianca Monaghan, Krystal Randall, Rhoda Roberts, Kyra Togo and Margaret Torrens.

An arts and cultural leader, Roberts is a practising weaver, festival director, curator, writer, performer and broadcaster.

Roberts and Ms Caldwell wrote and compiled the book Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali … we weave together to preserve the weaving practices of Bundjalung women, and was a catalyst for the touring exhibition.

Roberts’ work in the exhibition, Continuous Persistence, 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,” she said.

“We have returned full circle, to the old ways where once our grandmothers gathered, under the trees, weaving. As I lie back with our children, we are reminded under the dappled shade that every leaf, and every star is an ancestor.”

Dr Mariko Smith, head of First Nations collections and research in the First Nations Division at the Australian Museum said the museum was thrilled to support Bundjalung women in reconnecting with ancestral objects from their collection.

“Lending these exquisite woven pieces for the touring exhibition Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali is deeply significant. We look forward to continuing our strong partnership with Arts Northern Rivers and the Bundjalung community on this important initiative.”

The Bulaan Buruugaa Ngali exhibition is at the Grafton Regional Gallery from December 21 to February 9, Tweed Regional Gallery from February 22 to April 27, and Lismore Regional Gallery from September 12 to November 9.