We are fortunate to have another incredible exhibition currently on, at Signal Point Gallery in Goolwa. Weaving through time is an amazing look at Ngarrindjeri weaving by Aunty Ellen Trevorrow, an internationally acclaimed weaver with over 40 years’ experience.

Her works carry tens of thousands of years knowledge of weaving techniques, passed down from elders, and it continues to celebrate the culture and community of Ngarrindjeri people. The exhibition includes traditional woven baskets right through to sculptures, dresses, jewellery and textiles.

The Ngarrindjeri people are the traditional owners of the land in the southeast of South Australia, stretching from the Coorong, the lower Murray River including Goolwa and Lake Alexandrina and they were particularly known for their weaving skills using freshwater rushes and reeds, found along the banks of the Murray River.

Some of the works to see in the exhibition include Seven Sister Baskets woven from freshwater rushes. The sister baskets are two mirror image baskets which are woven separately and then connected. They have to match perfectly or the weaver undoes and reweaves their work. These skills are continuing to be passed on to younger people in the community and they symbolize sisterhood and unity.

 There are woven dresses and a couple of silk organza dresses which have been eco-dyed using various natural products including  pomegranate fruit, calendula flowers, eucalyptus and nettle leaves and adorned with woven belts, necklaces and collars. There are even contemporary woven head pieces, fascinators and hats, some of which have dyed pelican feathers included in the details.

There are also traditional woven mats and a fish trap on display, made from sedge grass.

The exhibition is a collaboration with designer Jelina Haines, who has worked with Aunty Ellen to create the woven garments and as part of the exhibition there is a book to purchase featuring some of her family members modelling some of the creations, set in the natural landscapes of the region.

I couldn’t help thinking as I was looking at the beautiful and detailed garments that these should be the sort of garments worn to promote and show Australian cultural fashion to the world.

When you visit Goolwa, you can find Signal Point Gallery, overlooking the Goolwa Wharf precinct and it’s open from Wednesdays to Sundays 10am – 4pm.

The centre also has a permanent exhibition of Ngarrindjeri culture and history called, Coming together on the headland.

Weaving through time exhibition will be at the Signal Point Gallery until the 1^st of March.

Enjoy

Glenys