Ilya Yarta

Description:

Located at the Adelaide University’s Roseworthy Campus, the newly constructed Yarning Circle serves as a meaningful space that encapsulates the stories and cultural heritage of the Kaurna miyurna (people). This gathering place highlights the ongoing relationship between Caring for Country and the impacts of modern agricultural practices on natural landscapes. It emphasises the essential need for environmental stewardship, drawing attention to both traditional and contemporary challenges.

The Yarning Circles' artwork incorporates elements from the local natural landscape and is interpreted through a cultural perspective. It features representations of the cultural landscape, Ilya (ill-lee-ahh)—the Red-bellied Black Snake, Kadli (gud-lee) —the Dingo, and Tarnta (tarn-dah)—the Red Kangaroo. These symbols are woven into the design to express the deep connection between the Kaurna miyurna and their environment known as Ilya Yarta (Red-bellied Black Snake Country).

The red and black canopy panels are inspired by the scales of Ilya (ilya). The supporting posts depicts the snake’s ribs, reinforcing the theme of connection between the site and its traditional custodians. To foster a strong sense of place, a laser-cut map depicts local landmarks of Kaurna Yarta (Country) for the Roseworthy area are embedded into the panels.

The arrangement of the canopy panels mirrors the fragmentation of natural bush settings, where ground-dwelling native animals once roamed freely. These fragmented areas have been cleared into paddocks and are constrained by ring lock fencing and barbed wire, illustrating the impact of agricultural development. This design serves as a reminder of the importance of green habitats and bush corridors, and the vital role they play in sustaining landscapes.

Kaurna miyurna hold an ancient cultural obligation to care for Country. The health of the land is intrinsically linked to the wellbeing of its people. The Yarning Circles’ message is clear: Everyone shares the responsibility to care for Country, ensuring its health for present and future generations of people, plants and animals.