The Story Behind

Barradam-bang

Bright Star Above

This Caring for Country bench seat with backrest is called Barradam-bang which means bright star above.

The stars and the skies are very important in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture. Australia has many different habitats. From desert, bush, tropical rainforest and water systems. Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander peoples knowledge and wisdom of the planets and stars have guided them for survival for thousands of years through these lands.

About the Artist, Brett Parker, Billyara

"I come from the Wiradjuri Nation of NSW. Billyara is an Eagle, my totem, my connection with the land. For over 30 years I’ve been an artist and educator in schools and organisations. I’m proud to be an Indigenous artist and to be a part of the oldest living culture in the world."

Brett first met Felton Industries around 18 months ago and was keen to be part of their exciting new project. He began working with Felton and creating his spectacular artworks. Showcasing incredible detail and beauty, Brett’s artworks tell wonderful indigenous stories that are the heart and soul of the Caring for Country Range.

The Barradam-bang Art

The circle in the middle surrounds the Morning Star Venus and the Emu star constellation. The U shapes represent people around

Boomerangs symbols represent knowledge

In between boomerangs are stars and planets representing changing seasons

You will also see different seasons, food, weather, plants and animals across the lands

You will also see different plants and sealife and flowers

The hands in the circles at the ends acknowledge Mother Earth

Educational Resources

Video 1: Watch Brett discuss Barramdam-bang with Year 2 Class

Download Lesson Plans and Worksheets

Lesson Plan One Barradam-bang and Fact Sheet
Use this lesson plan to explore themes of indigenous art and culture from Barradam-bang
DOWNLOAD LESSON PLAN AND FACT SHEET

Activity Ideas

Indigenous symbols
Create your own artwork using indigenous symbols – use symbol guide to assist you
DOWNLOAD SYMBOL GUIDE
Create a map of your local area
Use traditional Aboriginal art symbols to create a map of your local area. Explain the significance of the natural features you have drawn and what they mean to you.
Indigenous stories
Use the images, people or animals you see in the artwork to write your own story

Video 2: Watch Brett discuss Artefacts with Year 2 Class

Download Lesson Plans and Worksheets

Lesson Plan Two Artefacts and Fact Sheet
Use this lesson plan to explore artefacts
DOWNLOAD LESSON PLAN AND FACT SHEETS

Activity Ideas

Artefacts
Draw an artefact you have watched about and decorate it
Bark Painting
Create bark paintings using traditional Indigenous colours
Research Artefacts
Research 5 different indigenous artefacts used by First Nations people and describe what they are and what they would be used for