Untitled
clay, hemp, Emu feathers, acrylics 
The bunya nut gathering was one of the largest gatherings of Aboriginal people on the east coast. People travelled very long distances to share in the feast and hold ceremonies. Here is an interpretation of chosen men climbing to cut down the bunya cones for the feast.

Adornment

cotton, hemp, Emu feathers

During ceremonies Aboriginal people wore body adornments that connected them to Country. Each family/clan/language group/community wore different items that had deep meanings for them.  This piece is a contemporary piece that takes inspiration from traditional adornments and is worn around the waist. 

           Bunya nut gathering
Melaleuca quinquenervia bark, charcoal, ochre, hemp 
Bunya cones have been cut down and gathered.
Aboriginal people from near and far have worked together to extract the nuts for roasting.  
The feast has commenced, and the people are celebrating.

These three small treasures were inspired by the Bunya nut gathering held in QLD that attracted Aboriginal people from different language groups up and down the east coast of Australia. Each highlights an aspect of the gathering in a contemporary way.

Bio:
Ange Jeffery is a Wiradjuri artist who grew up on Country in central west NSW, with Wambuul (Macquarie River) having a lasting influence and inspiration in her art practice. Ange has an environmental science background and balances her technical ability with creative pursuits. She is a mixed media artist with a particular interest in jewellery and body adornment.
Ange’s values are represented in her work and preference for using responsibly sourced materials, including collected and recycled natural and manmade items.  Her work is organic, combining her Culture with contemporary techniques and objects.

https://angejeffery.com/
https://www.instagram.com/ange.jeffery/