"Honoring Heritage, Embracing the Land: Tradition in Every Stitch" ( Narrbang )

The "Narrbang" kangaroo skin bag has been thoughtfully created to support the respectful repatriation of Aboriginal artifacts and remains. Inspired by traditional practices, this design embodies a cultural approach that honors heritage and aligns with enduring Aboriginal values. More than a practical tool, the "Narrbung" bag serves as a vessel of cultural integrity, safeguarding precious artifacts and remains as they are returned to Country with dignity.

By combining traditional materials, the bag bridges the past and present, reaffirming the importance of respecting and preserving shared history for future generations. Its meaningful design is enriched by three cultural symbols: the kangaroo skin bag, artwork and the digging stick.

Kangaroo skin, known for its durability and sustainability, signifies resilience and ceremonial practices, the artwork enhances the design with ceremonial and spiritual significance. The digging stick, or "Ganhay Yirandhuray," represents connection to Country. Together, these elements honor Aboriginal heritage, ensuring that the repatriation process is carried out with the utmost cultural respect for culture and community.

The combination of the kangaroo skin bag and the digging stick, or "Ganhay Yirandhuray," carries profound symbolic significance. Together, they represent the ingenuity and sustainability of traditional Aboriginal practices, embodying a connection to the land and cultural heritage. The kangaroo skin reflects resilience and the versatility of the Badhung cloaks, while the digging stick represents sustenance, community, and ceremonial traditions. When paired, they honor the balance between functionality and cultural identity, showcasing the deep artistry and symbolic expressions of First Nations peoples. This union tells a story of resilience, survival, and enduring connection to Country.

Kangaroo skin bags, also called "Dilly Bags" or "Wayal," were crafted by Aboriginal ancestors to carry food, tools, and other essentials. Renowned for their durability and flexibility, these bags also had deep cultural significance. They were integral to ceremonies and symbolized a strong connection to Country and community. After rituals, tools stored in these bags were often buried at the base of a tree, honoring the land and upholding traditions. Today, they serve as enduring symbols of Aboriginal resourcefulness and respect for nature.

The "Narrbang" design is inspired by the traditional Badhung cloaks of Australia's First Nations peoples. These cloaks were crafted from kangaroo pelts and designed to be practical and versatile, providing warmth and protection. They were also deeply symbolic, often used in ceremonies and featuring etched or ochre designs that told cultural stories. My bag reflects this blend of functionality and cultural significance. It uses kangaroo skin to honor tradition and incorporates patterns inspired by the storytelling and ceremonial elements of the cloaks, celebrating resilience and connection to the land.

For thousands of years, Aboriginal Australians have used kangaroo skins for cloaks, bags, and other items, showcasing sustainability and respect for nature. Kangaroo leather is extremely durable, lasting up to 50 years in soil, making it ideal for long-lasting use.

Today, kangaroos are ethically harvested from a self-replenishing wild population, with only four common species allowed for use. Kangaroo leather is a by-product of the food industry, preventing waste and reflecting the tradition of using every part of the animal. By incorporating kangaroo skins into designs, we honor Aboriginal heritage and continue practices rooted in resourcefulness and respect for the land.