Purple shell boat
Maker
Lola Ryan
(1925-2003)
Datec 2001
Object number00037412
NameSculpture
MediumCardboard, shells, silver glitter, fabrics, paint
DimensionsOverall: 190 x 235 mm, 0.12 kg
ClassificationsArt
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis sail boat was designed and made by La Perouse Elder Lola Deli Ryan. The boat is constucted from cardboard and decorated with small white shells, silver glitter, and purple corduroy fabric. Throughout her shellwork career, Lola collected shells from Cronulla Beach, Boat Harbour, Wanda Beach, and even as far south as Wreck Bay.HistoryShellwork - the art of creating 3-dimensional shell covered objects - was practiced by many Koori people of New South Wales from as early as the 1880s as a way of earning income by selling souvenirs. Lola Ryan's parents of La Perouse, Sydney, sold their shellwork at the Royal Easter Show and Sydney's markets in the 1920s. Lola first began creating her own shellwork in 1940 at the age of 15. Her mother taught her to make the shellwork shoes and boxes, and her father taught her to make the bridges, boats and kookaburras. She sold her pieces to tourists visiting Sydney, particularly along the southern beaches.