Murlapaka

Very few shields survive today in Australia from the early contact period, especially those made by the Kaurna people from the Adelaide Plains. The impact of colonisation resulted in many objects made by Aboriginal people being stolen, destroyed or sent to international collections. This rare Murlapaka, dated to the early nineteenth century, is one of seven known shields of this kind.

The Murlapaka, one of two types of shield made by the Kaurna people, is made from the inner bark of a eucalyptus tree and is characterised by its oval shape, with elongated tapering tips. Three incised parallel lines, in opposed arc patterns, run longitudinally on each side, while towards the ends of the shield are shorter configurations with two correlating lines. Evident over the markings are the remnants of earth pigments, suggesting that the shield’s maker once applied red ochre and white clay to the surface. A handle was pushed through two holes in the centre of the shield when the bark was still fresh and pliable.

A powerful symbol of Kaurna identity, this Murlapaka is an important cultural and artistic object and represents the survival and enduring strength of Aboriginal people. On permanent display, it is a reminder that AGSA Kaurna yartangka yuwanthi (AGSA stands on Kaurna Country).

Gloria Strzelecki, Associate Curator of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Art