“THE HOLY TRIBAL”

Acrylic on flat canvas 

60cm x 81cm 

Kashael. B

$650

I was seeking information of the dance groups names from the land I was born on as source of inspiration for a painting. I planned to create a dreaming of a corroboree at Jellurgal. I know that there is no specific dance troupe and that neighbouring tribes of the Kombumerri people assist with dance. I wanted to acknowledge the significance of dance and song  to the areas but also mention their names to showcase their troupes. . 

I was extremely defeated  when I was told I shouldn’t be referencing dancers in the area as I’m not acknowledged from that country or “raised by the community”. Plainly due to the factor of being stolen.. I had received names of the dance groups which was accompanied with territorial hostility. Which fair enough in the eyes of  traditional lore. This was the reply  

“but, to not upset anyone Kash is better off just making reference to dancing on country or something similar.That makes it broader without being specific cause it can get nasty within the community if you are painting and making reference to specific groups and not a traditional owner or connected to one of the main family groups or been raised by the community - in their eyes. And unfortunately, connections to Aunty’s are not in anyone's favour either - not within this community anyway.”

So from this, you can see why I’m HURT. Picking a fresh scab always hurts a little bit. I was told I was reaching up hill. I reassured myself that I am blak because of my blood. My last name is a stolen one, my true family names I hold dearly to my heart (Bennett & Douglas Mob I am trying to reconnect with you). There may be two handfuls of Bigby’s and I’m proud of the past and present ones. As for my connections to my extended family. Those are family and always will be. My family lines run all over this country and I had no say in that. I will always represent the communities and country that I not only grew up in, but was born on! I will PROUDLY acknowledge all elders and family ties.

As unfortunate as it is, this is all but a familiar experience not only for myself but shared with stolen mob. My last name is what sets me apart from the main family groups. It is not our fault that we have been seperated and misplaced, but it is still in our responsibilities to know language, customs and culture especially to lands I called home. Lore is lore, however in a dream id vision that cultural knowledge wasn’t so unattainable. White law is responsible for these intricacies.

Maori culture is continued through power of knowledge. Banding together and establishing community to protect our culture and are able extend stories. We sing, dance, mourn, create, fight for, laugh with, protect and connect with each other. The comparisons in unity and division between my two cultures has always fascinated me.