Aboriginal Sculpture Trail
An Aboriginal sculpture trail with carved trees recognises this Worimi Place – Bulahdelah Mountain. It has now been declared an Aboriginal Place, in recognition of the cultural spiritual and historical significance of the area to the Worimi People.
Boolah-Dillah Aboriginal Sculpture Trail
The carved trees are a reminder to people walking by that this is a special area, a message that Boolah-Dillah Mountain is a significant place.
Sculpture workshops
In 2017, a series of sculpture workshops were held at the Land Council to develop skills in carving, create sculpture for the mountain and provide economic opportunities. Forestry Corporation provided small logs from one of its sustainable harvesting operations and tools. Sculptor John Van Der Kolk shared his expertise with the community over a number of workshops. The sculpture workshops evolved to carrying out contemporary tree carving, a traditional practice, creating a unique visitor experience on the mountain. Young people and Elders developed the designs which tell cultural stories with young people learning skills in carving and reconnecting with traditional skills.
- Carving workshop
- Carving – finished piece
- Carving workshop
- The crew
- Designing for timber
- Carving workshop
Carved trees
For thousands of years the Aboriginal people of central, north-western and north coast of NSW have carved trees as a form of artistic and cultural expression. Whenever you see a picture of an Aboriginal carved tree, it’s more than likely from NSW. Ronald Briggs and Melissa Jackson Carved trees: Aboriginal cultures of Western NSW 2011
In the landscape there are both carved and scarred trees present today. Carved trees are unique and expressive forms of communication and were used as markers for burials, safe travelling paths, boundaries and had an important role in ceremony. Scarred trees are what was left after the bark was removed from a tree for use as burial wraps, canoes, coolamons, shelters and shields. Scarred trees are prominent in our landscape. Carved trees however are very rare due to them being destroyed and removed.
- Aboriginal sculpture trail
- Worimi welcome
- Aboriginal sculpture trail
- Carving trees – Boolah-Dillah
- Carving trees – Boolah-Dillah
- Carved tree
- Aboriginal sculpture trail
- Aboriginal sculpture trail
- Aboriginal sculpture trail
Collaboration for sculpture trail
Working in collaboration with Forestry Corporation, Karuah Local Aboriginal Land Council and Sculptor John Van Der Kolk ensured a wonderful outcome for this project.
- Bulahdelah Mountain – revitalisation official opening
- Worimi Welcome
- A collaborative team
Categories: Aboriginal, Interpretive Projects