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“All biological living organisms are interconnected and each rely on each other and Kaurna cultural learnings as they go through the cycle of birth/life/death and rebirth. Parnatti is followed through the stars where a certain star acts as the convener of what is coming as it rises and falls.”

In this interactive seasonal story, Story Teller and Artist Karl ‘Winda’ Telfer from the Mullawirra Meyunna – the Dry Forest people, will take you on a journey in preparation for the Kaurna Meyunna season of Parnatti, the season between March and April.

Each season forms part of the overall work Kuri Kurru (Turning Circle).

Kuri Kurru (Turning Circle) our Kaurna seasonal touchscreens was awarded WINNER of Permanent Exhibition or Gallery Fitout at Museum and Galleries National Awards (MAGNA) at the Australian Museums and Galleries Association (AMaGA) 2022 Conference.

“An innovative, accessible and powerful multimedia interactive. Kuri Kurru (Turning Circle) is a beautiful and evocative installation which beautifully connects visitors with Indigenous Knowledge via engaging and immersive technology.”

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Transcript

Marilanna, or mullet, were an important food source during Parnatti. The people would walk out into the shallow coastal and river waters with nets to catch them. Each man had their own net and when the mullet would run, they would join their nets together to catch enough to feed their families.

Marti, the bandicoot, was an important food source of paru-meat at this time of year. The hunters would use their knowledge of the natural environment to catch them, digging or smoking them out of their burrows during the day. Every part of the animal was used. Nothing was wasted. 

When I look and see Karra, the old red gum, I see my ancestors standing strong on country. I see them as my Grandmothers and Grandfathers. They watch over us and connect me to my ancestors above. They have a language and sometimes if you sit and listen, you can hear them speak. 

Mabo, the quoll, is very active during Parnatti, and this was when they would be mating. You would hear them calling out during the night. We learned how to climb trees from mabo, as they often left marks in the bark of the trees when they climbed. 

Pilta, the possums, were hunted for food, but more importantly for their skins. Once the skins were cured, the women sewed them using a bone needle to make cloaks to keep them and their babies warm and dry during the upcoming season of Kudlilla, the rainy cold time.