[usr 5]
Visually arresting, NO STONE WITHOUT A NAME is a very large and heavy book, exquisitely illustrated and full of fascinating detail. Written by Philippa O’Brien and published by the Ellenbrook Cultural Foundation it is divided into twenty chapters, with a Forward by Kim Scott, Preface and Introduction as well as an Epilogue, notes. bibliography and a comprehensive index. The title of the book comes from George Grey’s journals.
NO STONE WITHOUT A NAME features an impressive range of photographs, artefacts, sketches. maps, portraits, diary entries, exquisitely detailed delicate botanical sketches, illustrations of fauna, watercolours, pencil drawings, engravings, depictions of interactions with Indigenous peoples, colonial dynasties, weaponry, documentation of appropriated land and images of ancient cave art.
Various works from the Baudin, Flinders and Freycinet expeditions and watercolours from early colonial times (many rarely seen) are integrated and discussed. Works by expedition artists as well as, later, convict ones ( remember some convicts were ‘ white collar’ criminals, architects, forgers, engravers and more ) taking us up to roughly the 1850’s are also commented on.
Exhaustively, painstakingly researched, it examines the history of Western Australia, in particular the Swan River colony and examines how history is shaped and documented by the conquerors and attempts now to give Indigenous peoples a voice. Various early European explorers are mentioned (eg d’ Entrecasteaux) and the book examines how the Europeans viewed and depicted the land, completely ignoring complex Aboriginal links to, and management of their Country including fishing, agriculture, the use of fire and oral history as portrayed in art, dances and corroboree for example. It is a history of tragedy and injustice, of possession and dispossession, exile and loss – the intransigent cruelty of Colonialism. The perceptions of nullum est sine nomine saxum (no stone without a name),and terra nullius (a land without a people) run throughout the book.
NO STONE WITHOUT A NAME demands we consider our connections with the land and its Indigenous peoples. Assorted objects are discussed both in the context of their time of creation and as materials viewed via a contemporary perspective. When Europeans moved in, inadequate comprehension led to the expunging of Indigenous historical and cultural life. We learn how the European style of landscape painting helped claim, represent and define the land and the colonials possessing it.
Power and politics are important – alongside Cook’s claim of New South Wales we read about St Allouran‘s claim of New Holland for France, both in 1771. The advent of the First Fleet in 1788 is placed in context, and a national frame of reference. Starting with an overview of Aboriginal culture and civilisation, NO STONE WITHOUT A NAME tracks the voyages and journeys of the Enlightenment scientists and explorers, who spent time in West Australia.
Women artists are also featured (often the wives or daughters of serving officers) among them Francis Louisa Bussell, Louisa Clifton, Jane Eliza Currie, Hannah Maria Hudson, Mary Ann Friend Elizabeth Irwin, Jane King, Amelia Cleobulina Reveley and Jane Russell.Farms, homesteads and interactions with Indigenous peoples are documented.
The chapter about life on Rottnest Island – Wadjemup – reveals harshly troubling facts. Massacres of Indigenous peoples are mentioned as is the tragic story of Yagan – a treasured Aboriginal person – which yet again highlights the sanctimoniousness and heartlessness of the European settlers.
The book concludes with paintings by European artists who to some degree attempted to understand the Indigenous culture, showing their daily life, and with brush drawings by convict artist James Walsh who met with support and welcome by the Noongars, dodging the niggling viciousness of Colonial society.
NO STONE WITHOUT A NAME uncovers an at times dismal, disturbing narrative, revealing how colonial art and portrayals of Indigenous peoples have led to legislation that discriminates and other examples of racism and tries to illuminate the images for today. A beautiful, powerful book.
https://www.ellenbrookarts.com.au/product-page/no-stone-without-a-name-by-philippa-o-brien
No Stone Without a Name: A visual history of possession and dispossession in Australia’s west by Philippa O’Brien
Publisher: Ellenbrook Cultural Foundation
ISBN: 9780645598506
Format: Paperback
Pages: 456 pp