Craftsman Stephen Patterson used traditional carving, painting and design methods inherited from his father to produce ochre shields. The shields were created from timber cut by hand in the local area.
The production stimulated high community interest and has strengthened community knowledge and skills in this traditional craft.
The shields were exhibited as part of the Cape York Art exhibition during Cairns Indigenous Art Fair (CIAF) 2016 and were viewed by an estimated 51,000 attendees during CIAF, including students from various schools.
Exhibiting at CIAF also provided an opportunity for artists to talk to a wider audience about the Kowanyama community and its cultural heritage.
Artist at work. Image courtesy Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council
2015-2016
Kowanyama region and Cairns
Funding of $11,171 was provided through two Indigenous Regional Arts Development Fund (IRADF) grants, a partnership between Arts Queensland and Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council.
Transfer of cultural knowledge regarding the making and the use of shields is vital to “keeping the craft of ochre shields alive”.
An important outcome from the projects has been the retention and use of traditional techniques in the community. Involvement by elders from the community provided useful insights into the function of the shields.
Input from two elder mentors, one of whom was the last of the stick and shield fighters at Kowanyama, provided an insight into the finer points of traditional shields' manufacture and function.
The benefits of involvement in traditional activities and the impact on wellbeing were noted by participants.
It was clear that being in the bush and focusing on traditional activities led to positive impact on those suffering from depression, especially increased feelings of self-worth.
Being out bush working on things give me peace ... I feel good. - Participant
Jacqui Cresswell
Grants Officer, Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council
Email: admin@kowanyama.qld.gov.au
Website: http://www.kowanyama.qld.gov.au/
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