Respecting Our Elders by Peter Mackay

The spirits of our Wayilwan ancestors, past Elders, are represented by pink markings. The ancestors live above the sky, with Baiame, and watch over future generations.

Our ancestors left markings on carve trees with meanings inscribed and known by our ancestors for burbung (initiation ceremony) and when Elders and Warriors balu-y (die).

The meanings of carve trees are now lost but new markings and new knowledge building strengthens our mob. Today’s Elders, represented by the large horse-shoe shapes, spend time with the youth, passing on their learned knowledge and wisdom.

The wheel shapes symbolise how the connections of Spirit, Elders, youth, family and community are strengthened as time is spent together, yarning, and sharing knowledge; knowledge shared though art, dance, story-telling, music and song.

There is a fluidity of past and present as Wayilwan Language is revived and work is needed to sustain cultural heritage revival for future generations. Dynamic interactions are represented by the striking patterns and colours.

Our homes are positioned at the base of my art, aligned to receive healing and restoration through such processes, which carry the vision of empowerment and self-determination for local community, and particularly For Our Elders.

Respecting Our Elders is on display at Warraan Widji Arts 156 Dubbo Street, Warren, NSW