This carving, completed in 2011, has been made on the trunk of an old Forest Red Gum which had grown in the Royal Botanic Gardens for over 200 years. "Yurabirong" was carved by Aboriginal artists Glen Timbery and Vic Simms. Yurabirong, which means "People of this Place", acknowledges the Aboriginal ancestors of Australia. The six different patterns on the tree, represent different tribal groups across central, western and north-western New South Wales. A representation of five Aborigines was carved into the lower half of the tree The sulphur-crested cockatoos that live inside the hollows of the tree were undeterred by the work. NAIDOC week, which this year runs from 3rd July to 11th July, is a celebration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and an opportunity to recognise the contributions of Indigenous Australians in various fields.
Cool looking sculpture. I like the carvings of the Aborigines on the bottom.
ReplyDeleteA fine job they did, as did you with photo and info.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting!
ReplyDeleteOnly brand-new ... phew! I had no idea about this one. Which is the closest gate for it, Jim?
ReplyDeleteJulie, it's close to Mrs Macquaries Road, so the closest is probably the Lion Gate or the Henry Lawson Gate.
ReplyDeleteI like your NAIDOC theme. I have been trying to find some events up here but little seems to be on or not publicised.
ReplyDeleteLove the sculpture and a terrific capture! I always enjoy the information you include, Jim, makes the photos all the more interesting! Hope your week is off to a good start!
ReplyDeleteSylvia
How very impressive !
ReplyDeletePlease have a good Tuesday.
I really like the original aboriginal patterns on this tree trunk. I hope the resident cockatoos appreciate their newly decorated home.
ReplyDeleteVery nice post, learned a little history with this.
ReplyDeleteMost interesting. In this country there was a time in the early part of the last century when we discouraged Native American language and culture in the name of assimilation and lost something of great value. That has changed fortunately but some things can't be recovered. I wonder if your country has not gone through the same cycle.
ReplyDeleteInteresting. I love the carving.
ReplyDeleteGW Bill Miller, sadly this was the case for Aborigines in Australia too. Circumstances have improved and in recent years people have realised the value of indigenous culture but as you say, some things that have been lost can't be recovered.
ReplyDeleteCool pic..and great write up.
ReplyDeleteBrilliant way to make valuable use of a 200 year old stump Jim, excellent.
ReplyDeleteInteresting story and carving. Thanks for sharing during NAIDOC Week celebrations.
ReplyDeleteGreat sculpture!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
ReplyDeleteI LIKE this tree!
ReplyDeleteWow! What a great sculpture... love it. Have a happy day.
ReplyDeletewhat a storm you had, may be they can salvage some of the fallen trees and make cravings.
ReplyDeleteAnn, those strong winds hit the Blue Mountains over the last two days but we had a taste of them down here in Sydney this morning.
ReplyDeleteI've just scrolled down to see all your botanical garden shots. Fabulous, each one, and this aboriginal story carved on a trunk is my favorite, Jim!
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