Treahna Hamm (Yorta Yorta people) 'Barmah nurrtja biganga (Barmah Forest Possum Skin Cloak)' 2005

The Barmah Forest biganga is of significance. The cloak deeply connects myself with my ancestors who used the same ochre on traditional cloaks over 150 years ago. The cloak tells the story of the Barmah Forest portrayed by the trees, who are spiritual figures and guardians of the Barmah Forest through ancestral, spiritual and cultural connections.

The deep red ochre signifies to me the connection with the Red Gum Forest and its importance. The Yorta Yorta totem is depicted along with the two food sources of the people, the Murray Cod and the yabby (river crayfish).

– Treahna Hamm, 2007