Tuesday 5 July 2011

Botanic Gardens, Yurabirong

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.

22 comments:

  1. Cool looking sculpture. I like the carvings of the Aborigines on the bottom.

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  2. A fine job they did, as did you with photo and info.

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  3. Only brand-new ... phew! I had no idea about this one. Which is the closest gate for it, Jim?

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  4. Julie, it's close to Mrs Macquaries Road, so the closest is probably the Lion Gate or the Henry Lawson Gate.

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  5. I like your NAIDOC theme. I have been trying to find some events up here but little seems to be on or not publicised.

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  6. Love 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!

    Sylvia

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  7. How very impressive !


    Please have a good Tuesday.

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  8. I really like the original aboriginal patterns on this tree trunk. I hope the resident cockatoos appreciate their newly decorated home.

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  9. Very nice post, learned a little history with this.

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  10. Most 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.

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  11. GW 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.

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  12. Brilliant way to make valuable use of a 200 year old stump Jim, excellent.

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  13. Interesting story and carving. Thanks for sharing during NAIDOC Week celebrations.

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  14. Great sculpture!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.

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  15. Wow! What a great sculpture... love it. Have a happy day.

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  16. what a storm you had, may be they can salvage some of the fallen trees and make cravings.

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  17. Ann, 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.

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  18. I'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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