A significant carved tree known as a dhulu (thulu) has been returned to the Gamilaraay community at a ceremony in Switzerland almost a hundred years after it was cut down and sold to a Swiss researcher.
The dhulu was once part of a group of carved river red gums on Brigalow Creek, a tributary of the Namoi River, and associated with a ceremonial ground near the small New South Wales town of Boggabri.
Dhulu hold deep spiritual meaning for the Gamilaraay Community who consider it an ancestor and family member that embodies knowledge and has agency. The markings are associated with specific families, tell their story, and lend them a voice.
Gamilaraay Elder, Greg Bulingha Griffiths with century-old dhulu. Credit: Omar Lemke/© 2024 Museum der Kulturen Base
"The dhulu carries the stories, values, and wisdom of our ancestors," they said in a statement.
"Having it come back to its homeland by the Namoi River brings a sense of healing, as if a long-separated part of our heritage is finally returning to where it belongs.
"For our community, it reaffirms our resilience, our identity, and the continuity of our culture that has endured for over 80,000 years. We feel immense pride in knowing that future generations will now have the opportunity to connect with the dhulu directly, to see it, and to learn from its carvings and the stories they contain."
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They also said the return counters a painful past of loss of culture and language.
"Instead, it represents renewal, demonstrating that cultural heritage can be preserved, respected, and even restored," they said.
"This is a powerful reminder that our traditions, stories, and language are valued, not only by our community but also by others who recognise their significance."
The dhulu was cut down in the early 20th century, taken to Sydney and sold to researcher Lucas Staehelin who then gifted it to the Museum der Kulturen Basel in 1940.
The Gamilaraay Community, supported by the Wominjeka Djeembana Indigenous Research Lab at Monash University, worked with the Museum der Kulturen Basel on the return of the dhulu to Country.
In a generous gesture, community representatives gifted the museum with a newly the carved dhulu replicating the designs of the century-old dhulu to signify their wish to continue to share Gamilaraay culture with people of Switzerland, Europe and the world.
Representatives said the gift also emphasised that collaboration between museums and Aboriginal was not only possible but mutually beneficial.
"It shows that while cultural items may return to their communities, the relationships, learning, and shared respect fostered by museums remain valuable and ongoing."
Wayne Griffiths Jnr performing Smoking Ceremony of the dhulu. Credit: Omar Lemke/© 2024 Museum der Kulturen Base
The research trip was part of an Australian Research Council Project, More than a Guulany (tree): Aboriginal Knowledge Systems, led by both Brian Martin and Professor Brook Andrew.
At the request of the Gamilaraay Community, the century-old dhulu will be temporarily held at AIATSIS in Canberra, until the Community is ready to receive it on Country.
