This project highlights four distinct weather patterns that occur and traverse the traditional lands of the Kaurna people each year. These seasonal patterns have a profound impact on the vibrant lifestyle of the Kaurna people, ensuring that their traditional practices, including seasonal movement, resource management, and cultural knowledge, are preserved and passed on to future generations.
Wartati – Summer
Living by the coast during this season is a prevalent theme in Kaurna Yarta. This artwork illustrates the coastal lifestyle and emphasises the plentiful resources available. The centre showcases traditional rock traps, which are still visible along the coastline today. Kangaroos can be observed actively seeking out waterholes and shaded areas to stay cool and hydrated. At the same time, lizards and snakes bask in the sun, enjoying the warm temperatures. Men are portrayed fishing within the rock traps using spears and nets, sharing their catch with family. Conversely, women are depicted travelling along the coast to collect resources such as periwinkles and various crustaceans.
Parnati – Autumn
As the cooler weather of Parnati approaches, the Kaurna people start their trek back to the foothills, marked by the footprints of both men and women. In the later stages of Parnati, abundant rainfall and strong winds create flowing blue waters and falling leaves. This weather also draws numerous water birds, which can be hunted, as shown by their footprints.
Kudlila – Winter
Stormy weather envelops the landscape, bringing thunder, lightning, rain, and strong winds. For the Kaurna people, staying sheltered and warm in the foothills is essential. On sunny days, the land thrives with flowing waterways and numerous water birds that nest in the plains. The traditional aerodynamic technique is illustrated as the returning boomerangs influence the flight patterns of these birds, aiding in their hunting. This is captured in the artwork, where vibrant blues depict the waterways, wet plains, creeks, and waterfalls. It features the footprints of various water bird species, their laid eggs, and the people camping by the waterways who gather the freshly laid eggs, alongside the plentiful fish that inhabit these waters.
Wirltuti – Spring
The arrival of warmer weather signals the time to return to the coastal waters. The landscape thrives due to the Kudlinthi (Earth is Washed), while animals grow more active, many giving birth or hatching. Plants begin to bloom, and the fruits are ripe for harvesting. This is illustrated in the artwork, showcasing the footsteps of our people returning to the coast. Throughout their journey, they navigate the flowing water systems and gather quandongs and wattle seeds from the trees.
