Museum Metadata Exchange

Names

Name PrimaryDesert Pokerwork

Name AlternateDesert - Hot wire impressed objects

IDs

ID LocalWAM 14

ID UriOffline Only

Descriptions

Brief DescriptionA small collection of carved wooden objects from the Western Australian Deserts decorated using hot wire.

Full DescriptionDrawing on the animals and plants that were traditional food, Desert people produce a range of hot wire impressed models. They serve not only to delight visitors who purchase them, but for local children, they confirm which animals are good eating. Work with Desert copmmunities reveals that the patterns are not random, but drawn from careful observation of the animals and reptiles that are reproduced, to the extent that species can be identified from scale patterns. This collection highlights the ongoing importance of knowledge to Aboriginal people as well as the innovative responses that people make to outside influences. The production of these animals keeps country alive whilst providing an opporunity to participate in the wider economy. The collection includes pieces produced by signficant desert artists.

AccessAvailable by appointment – http://www.museum.wa.gov.au/about/contact-us

Subjects

local20th century; Aboriginal culture; Country; Desert; Traditional life

aptAboriginal artefacts; Aboriginal culture; Aboriginal peoples (Australians); Animals; Woodcarvings

scotAboriginal peoples; Animal art; Artefacts; Carving; Decorative arts; Indigenous Australian peoples

pontAnimal figures; Carvings; Models

Coverage Spatial

TextWestern Australian Deserts; Western Australia

Coverage Temporal

From1920

To2000

Related Collections

isPartof

Dates

Date Record Updated2012-05-30 23:42

Date Created in MME2011-03-24 17:27