Bayala Nura conversation starters

Bayala Nura celebrates the vibrant, living diversity of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures. Yarning – sharing stories and songlines through talking, singing and dancing – is a traditional practice used to build connections and pass on cultural knowledge, and is still very much alive today.

In this gallery you’ll find fascinating objects and artworks from all over Indigenous Australia including an array of tall hunting spears and shields from around the country, and colourful yidakis (didjeridus) from Arnhem Land and beyond. See a bark canoe made especially for this exhibition using traditional techniques, and Edward Malati Yunupingu’s playful work, Old Time Footballer, which shows the important role Indigenous artists continue to play in Australia’s cultural life.

Accompanying the objects in this exhibition are first-hand stories of the impacts of colonisation on Aboriginal communities, from first contact through the long struggle to maintain identity and sacred connections to Country that continues today.

Connect – When choosing an artwork or object, encourage students to look closely at its main features.

Share – Students are encouraged to share and discuss their ideas through meaningful conversation.

Reflect – Through whole group discussion, students can reflect on their findings and experiences.