Wurundjeri to return William Barak's work to Country

The Wurundjeri artists' work is scattered across the globe in private and public collections. Now, two of his pieces are coming home, under the ownership of Wurundjeri People.

The drawing dates to 1897, and depicts a ceremonial dance. The shield was hand-carved by Barak and features ceremonial notching on both sides. Source: Supplied: Wurundjeri Corporation

After years away, two artworks by significant 19^th Century Wurundjeri artist and Elder William Barak are coming home to Country.

The pieces, an ochre drawing of a dance ceremony and a hand-carved parrying shield, were auctioned by Sotheby’s in New York early Thursday morning.

The new owners are The Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation.

The Corporation began a crowdfunding campaign that gathered $120,440 in donations from over 1,000 donors. The Victorian Government supported the organisation’s efforts with $500,000.

“We’re bringing William Barak’s spirit home,” said Wurundjeri Elder Ron Jones.

“We’ve made a step forward in closing the gap between Victorian Aboriginal People and the State government today.”

Mr Jones told ABC Radio that there were fears the corporation would fall short on purchasing the art.

"It was a great feeling to know that we were really in reach of bringing something so significant in our history back to Victoria," he said.

"I'm so pumped, I still can't believe that we actually won it."

A Sotheby's employee views the painting 'Corroboree' by Wurundjeri artist William Barak. Source: AFP

Victorian Minister for Aboriginal Affairs Gabrielle Williams said the purchase ensures the artworks will be repatriated to where they “rightfully” belong.

“We congratulate the Wurundjeri on their success in fighting for and securing this important piece of history, which is invaluable to the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People, and to the broader Victorian public,” she said.

How did they get so far from home?

A revered artist, Barak's work provided intimate insight into Wurundjeri culture, story, and history previous to colonisation.

“William Barak has had a profound impact on Victoria’s cultural heritage, with his contribution as an ambassador and advocate for his people continuing to have an impact today," said Victorian Minister for Creative Industries Danny Pearson.

The two artworks were created in 1897.

The first, Corroboree (Women in possum skin cloaks) sees three rows of women, during the ceremony, draped in possum skin cloaks.

The second is a hardwood parrying shield, that features a geometric design.

In the late 19^th century Barak gifted both artworks to the de Pury Family, and have remained in their ownership until today.

With most of his work scattered across the globe in private and public collections, these artworks are some of the only ones that will return to Wurundjeri ownership.

The pieces are expected to return home within weeks.

Artist and advocate, William Barak Source: Wikimedia Commons