Coolamon Protection Emblem sma

Rachel has created these forms by manipulating lump crystal poured molten from the kiln. The process itself is thousands of years old,dating back to ancient Mesopotamia and Egypt and has been adopted by indigenous artists in sculptural format.

This coolamon form is an interpretation of traditional artifacts from the Atherton Tablelands in far North Queensland showing clan motifs (in this case the fern emblem) that would have been applied to the shields and other personal artifacts, offering protection to the owners.