Introduction

From the early 19th century, Aboriginal people created artworks that document the history of their interaction with European settlers.Aboriginal people made boomerangs, shields, spear throwers, clubs, walking sticks, stock whip handles and other objects which they decorated with engraving, painting and pokerwork. The designs show Aboriginal links to their land and traditional cultural practices. They also depict contact situations and changing circumstances brought about by European settlement.

Focus of study

This studies main focus is the transitional art of Barambah/Cherbourg Mission. The artifacts from this area are characterised by deeply incised geometric designs and detailed depictions of humans, plants and animals.

Very little is known about these artifacts. No artists names have been recorded, nor estimates of the scale of production. But they are rare - the Queensland Museum has only two similar items in its collection (QE-3344-0 and QE-12347-0).

One of the few references to the manufacture of artifacts in Barambah can be found in Thom Blake?s book Dumping Ground - A history of the Cherbourg Settlement: “Barambah inmates were involved in exhibitions and performances that were specifically designed to promote the settlement. In 1911, the Chief Protector's Department organised a display of the various facets of its work. Each settlement and mission, including Barambah, was asked to contribute items of work by its inmates. Items displayed ranged from samples of schoolwork to traditionally made implements and weapons. In the display presented in 1913, items from Barambah included 'fine specimens of carved whip handles and walking sticks'”.

Brief History of Barambah/Cherbourg Mission

In 1904 W.E Roth the Protector of Aborigines ordered the forcible relocation of more than 300 Aboriginal people from 13 different tribes to Barambah.

Aboriginal people at Barambah were required to clear the area by hand. Early conditions in the community were so harsh, most people continued to live off the land and live in bush humpies.

In 1931 Barambah was renamed as Cherbourg. In the 1930s the government provided rations for the inhabitants and began to construct proper accommodation in the Cherbourg township. By 1934 the population was more than 900 people, representing 28 different language groups.