This report was collectively written for ArtsHub by the Association of Northern, Kimberley & Arnhem Aboriginal Artists (ANKAAA).
Harvesting Traditional Knowledge is a two-way learning process that tells us about Indigenous and non-Indigenous approaches to the conservation of cultural materials. Many national museums and galleries have extensive collections of Australian Aboriginal cultural objects. Often, these historical objects are fragile and require conservation treatment to make sure they are kept in good condition. At present, there are not many opportunities for remote Indigenous artists, arts workers and conservators working in cultural institutions to share their knowledge of different approaches on how some of these cultural objects are made and looked after. The Harvesting Traditional Knowledge project hopes to create an opportunity for two-way learning by bringing together Indigenous traditional knowledge masters, conservators from Australian cultural institutions and other Indigenous and non-Indigenous audiences to share different approaches to materials conservation.
