What appears to be lines and circles to most people actually tells a powerful story within Aboriginal culture.
The handmade possum skin cloaks represent more than just a fashion item.
Aboriginal Aunty Cheryl Penrith said they are a way of connecting back to a forgotten part of their culture.
“What we are hoping to do is bring back some of our cultural practices that have been interrupted,” she said.
“In a way, it will be reclaiming our culture, a part that we thought was lost.”
Wagga residents will receive assistance from Banmirra Arts members to make the city’s own possum skin cloak.
Possum skin cloaks are used in traditional ceremonies, are worn at formal gatherings or during important business and during times of healing.
“When you wear the possum skin cloak, it empowers you and it’s comforting,” Ms Penrith said.
“It’s exciting to be a part of something that could be really special.”
A cultural day will be held at the Environmental Education Centre today before the cloak making workshops to be held over two days at the Ashmont Ngurra Youth Hub this weekend.
Ms Penrith said deciding on a story to tell through design on the cloak will be a big part of the brainstorming process.
For more information or to show an interest in attending, contact Ms Penrith on 0413 698 277.
