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Black Cockatoo Shield
Black Cockatoo Shield 2020 Uncle Noel Wellington, Jeringa Wandi-Wandian Bangalay wood. Australian Museum Collection Acquisition Photographed for the Unsettled exhibition catalogue March 2021 Image: Abram Powell
© Australian Museum

Uncle Noel Wellington (Jeringa Wandi-Wandian), 2020
Bangalay wood.
Australian Museum Collection Acquisition


In my grandfather’s footsteps

Black cockatoo is the meaning of Nowra and Nowra is where I come from. Black Cockatoo’s Story is at Cambewarra Mountain and teaches about fire, rain and belonging. The shield is a modern representation of the cultural practice of making shields for battle and protection and for gathering food. It reflects the cultural Ancestral practice of tree scarring. When I do my artwork, I feel I am connecting culturally with the land and the sea, and it gives me a sense of pride knowing that I am continuing on in my grandfather’s footsteps. Uncle Noel Wellington (Jeringa Wandi-Wandian), 2021