A new installation at the University of Sydney is telling stories from Gamilaraay Country, revealing the importance of native grasses in food production.
The act of grinding grains with water to make bread can be dated back 30,000 years ago in the lands now known as Australia, with archaeologists finding evidence of grinding stones from that time in Cuddie Springs. This suggests that Aboriginal peoples were the world’s first bakers, pre-dating the ancient Egyptians experiments with bread by around 12,000 years.
This history, and the ongoing importance of native grasses in passing down knowledge relating to Country, are explored in the installation Dhuwarr: a celebration of Gomeroi grasses, grains and placemaking.
The design team behind the project comprises Kuku Yalanji man Michael Mossman, senior lecturer and architect at the School of Architecture, Design and Planning; Worimi and Biripi man Jack Gillmer, a graduate of architecture; and Richard Leplastrier, 1999 Gold Medallist and “national living treasure.” The installation includes growing grasses and a miniture scene depiciting the harvesting of grasses with two utes.
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Michael Mossman said the installation aims to create a bridge between Indigenous and non-Indigenous knowledge systems.
“Sharing these storylines with an audience will facilitate exchange of knowledge in contemporary ways, an act influenced by ancient practices that build connections and engender new knowledge for our future generations,” he said.
The research basis for the installation is work being undertaken at the university’s Planting Breeding Institute in Narrabri led by scientist Angela Pattison, which is focused on the production and commercial viability of native Australian grasses and grains.
“Working with Jack and Richard, we have listened to and embraced the qualities of Country and First Nation cultures to enrich a process and produce an amazing new storyline,” said Mossman.
The installation will be on display in the foyer of the university’s F23 Building until 15 November.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
