Emu Tracks earrings

A pair of Emu Tracks earrings from Gillawarra Arts.

Part of their Sacred Tracks collection, the earrings are designed by Krystal Hurst and Wantok Designs, paying homage to the sacred tracks that emus and kangaroos have made across the Australian landscape for thousands of years. The shape and decorative elements of the earrings acknowledge these tracks and the interconnectedness of story by many Aboriginal Nations.

Laser cut from veneered cherry wood, the ear post studs and connecting rings are made from stainless steel, with silicone backings. The impactful long-drop design measures approximately 5-6 cm in length.

Part of our collection celebrating Emily Kam Kngwarray at Tate Modern, the earrings are designed and made by Gilwarra Arts. Gillawarra Arts is a creative arts business originating from the mid north coast of NSW, first founded in the 1980s on Purfleet Aboriginal Mission (previously Sunrise Station). Now run by Worimi artist Krystal Hurst, relative of the founders, Hurst designs handmade jewellery using materials from nature. In the Gathang/Kattang language, 'Gillawarra' means resting place. Gillawarra is the place where ancestors set up camp to rest before making their journey along the rivers to perform Keepara, (ceremony).

In their own words, Gillawarra Arts describe their jewellery designs as:

‘Our pieces speak of the sky, land, rivers and sea. Old knowledge and new stories interwoven by Aboriginal women for its wearers to feel a sense of pride, connection and empowerment. Our jewellery sings our memories, language and our culture that is strong and thriving. Our vision is to create jewellery for women and men to feel strength, connected and empowered.’

• Dimensions 5-6 cm long
• Material Veneered cherry wood with stainless steel findings