textile banners

Making Multicultural Australia - http://www.multiculturalaustralia.gov.au

Textile Banners

Japanese BannerKeiko Hiki, Fusae Simpson, Noriko Shibata and the Australian Japan Society, 1986

• Mount Fuji, the sacred mountain of Japan, dominates the banner.

• Surrounding it are images reflecting life in the old country• the pine tree, a symbol of long life• the bullet train, epitomising

modern Japan• the national flower of Japan – the

cherry blossom

• Community Banners Collection, Migration Museum, Adelaide

Polish BannerJ. Szockinski, Maria Kropinski and the Polish Community, 1986

• This Banner tells the story of Mr. Twardowski, a famous magician who lived in Krakow in the sixteenth century.

• He sold his soul to the devil to gain riches and knowledge, and in exchange, was eventually taken to hell.

• He prayed to Mary to save him.• She took mercy on him and ordered

the devil to leave him on the moon, where he still sits today.

• By passing on stories like this in the national language, Polish immigrants have been able to maintain their culture in their new land.

• Community Banners Collection, Migration Museum, Adelaide

Latvian BannerAnna Ancans, 1986

• The turbulence of war in Latvia is symbolized by the red and yellow flash. Feelings of fear and oppression are evoked by the woman in traditional costume standing behind barbed wire.

• The boats and sun represent the journey to the new land. The contrast among the images portrays the memories and dreams of Latvians who came to Australia.

• Community Banners Collection, Migration Museum, Adelaide.

Indian bannerMoti Somers, 1986

• Decorated with traditional Indian designs, the animals symbolise immigration to Australia from India and the transfer of ideas to the new land.

• The images on the banner are also a reminder that while adjusting to life in their new country, Indian people retain their cultural traditions.


Lebanese BannerLorna Hamood, Sueanne Badawee, Mae Andury, Shadia Andury and the South Australian Lebanese Druse Association, 1986

• The mountains, village and fertile valley are typical of the Lebanese landscape.

• Other Lebanese images are the cedar tree – arza, the brass mortar and pestle – hewin, and the traditional drum – durbakee. The area’s aniquity is symbolised by the Baalbeck ruins, the culture by figures in traditional dress.

• The link with Australia is the boat.• Community Banners Collection, Migration Museum, Adelaide.

Cornish bannerCarolyn Faull, 1986

• Images of Cornwall and South Australia reveal the links between the old and new country.

• The engine house is a reminder of the transfer of mining techniques.

• The miner and his wife are represented in traditional costume while the reference to Bendigo relates to the South Australian Cornish who were among the first diggers on the Victorian goldfields.


Kangaroo Island Settlersdesigned by: Ros Johnsson, Merril Hansen, Christine Ley

• The history and landscapes of Kangaroo Island, the first official British settlement in South Australia, are worked in wool.


• made by: Josie Markus, Jean Tonkin, June Mole, Joan Noble, Jean Schaefer, Nancy Waller, Rita Kenyon, Jean Jamieson, Tina Cinzio, Margaret Smyth, Stella Pillar, Thelma Buick, Marjorie Roberts, Jean Barrett, Mollie McArdle, Rhonda Fryar, Clarice Duffy, Shirley Wetherall, Evelyn Wallace: 1994.

Fijian BannerThe Fijian Association of South Australia, 1993

• The tapa etching in the top corner contains images of particular symbolic value to Fijians.

• The tabua, whale’s tooth, represents culture; the bure, traditional house, coconut tree and island, depict the State; the cross, religion.

• The central image, the outrigger canoe, or takia, symbolises the journey from the old country to the new.

• The bright colours and the open book represent the expectations of Fijians coming to Australia, of better opportunities, education and adventure.


Scandinavian BannerDirk James and Lise Jams, 1991

• The different landscapes evoke memories of life in Scandinavian countries.

• The snowcapped mountains are a feature common to Finland, Norway and Iceland.

• The pine forest and fjord relate to Sweden, the fields to regions of Denmark.

• The link between these countries – all have a strong seafaring tradition – is highlighted by the fishing boat.

• The birch tree found throughout Scandinavia and the Australian gum tree link memories of life in the old lands with dreams of the future in the new.


• These images are free for your use for educational purposes, however not for publication.

• For more copyright information go to www.multiculturalaustralia.gov.au

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