Carved trees: Aboriginal cultures of western NSW

Ornate and expressive, carved trees have been used by Aboriginal people in New South Wales as a form of visual communication for thousands of years.

These elaborate cultural expressions — carved into the sapwood and heartwood of trees once a section of external bark was removed — were meant to last. Sadly, after European colonisation, the practice was abandoned and the original meanings lost.

Album 05: Bora Ground at Banaway [Collymongle] Wiradjuri Country European discovery Return of the trees

On tour details

Dates: 1 June 2011 – 31 May 2013

From July 2011 to May 2013 Carved Trees: Aboriginal cultures of western NSW will be on display at: Gilgandra, Dubbo, Hawkesbury, Lithgow, Parkes, Wagga Wagga, Kempsey, Orange, Deniliquin, Albury, Rutherglen, Cooma, Goulburn, Condobolin, Tamworth, Tumut, Springwood, Cessnock, Penrith, Campsie, Liverpool, Marrickville, Canada Bay, Wentworth, Warren, Grenfell, Griffith, Wyong and Armidale.

In some instances, the exhibition curator will present a talk and collection items in conjunction with the display.

For further information please contact Kate O'Grady.

Quick Links

On tour info

1 Jun 2011 – 31 May 2013

As part of an ongoing commitment to sharing Library collections with NSW residents, this travelling display is currently touring to many local public libraries.

View details >

Library Shop

The Dendroglyphs or Carved Trees of NSW

First published in 1918, this 2011 facsimile reprint has a new cover, half-title page and reduced size map. Published by Sydney University Press in conjunction with the State Library of NSW.
Hardcover $40.00 

Available from the Library Shop