Traditional Aboriginal Sedge Mat

Maker Yvonne Koolmatrie (1944)

Datec 1991

Object number00015872

NameMat

MediumSedges

DimensionsOverall: 10 x 815 x 840 mm

ClassificationsCeremonial artefact

Credit LineANMM Collection

Terms

DescriptionThe construction of story mats, where the artist has purposefully created a seamless continuity that appears to have no beginning and no end. This symbolises the infinite revolutions of the circle of life. These cultural maps of the Riverland feature vignettes of woven objects, fauna and figures, with a line that goes through to represent the water, land and river. The openings or dropped stitches within the work represent 'the eyes of murray cod'. The mats are an invention of the artist who uses them to depict knowledge and pride in her heritage, they express her desire to share her country with others. SignificanceKoolmatrie’s experimental and exploratory works in local grasses woke an interest in a vanishing cultural practice, as a teacher and practitioner she has played a pivotal role in the revitalisation of weaving. Her intuitive process allows the sculptural potential of functional objects to be realised in innovative interpretations of traditional forms. Her use of Sedge as her primary medium connects her to her land and to the places where the spiny sedge is gathered. For the artist the near loss of the Ngarrindjeri weaving tradition, became her catalyst to pass on her skills and create works so that her artworks will endure for future generations.
The infinite revolutions, represents the circle of life,