Historical information

My name is Tammy Gilson and I am a descendant of Wadawurrung people on Mums side, Marlene Gilson and my dear Nan, Rita Fagan from the Dalton line of our apical ancestor, John Robinson. For that I pay my respects and acknowledge my ancestors and all Elders.

In Wadawurrung wurru, meaning language, the wurru name of a cloak walert walert signifies the reclaiming of language that hasn’t been spoken fluently since colonisation.

Wadawurrung kinkinbil people relied on possum fur to create cloaks to wear for warmth, ceremony, adornments and medicine. Possum fur was used widely amongst neighbouring First Peoples particularly from colder parts of Victoria given the harshness of climate and particularly in Gordon where the elevation is 650m above sea level.

The walert walert denotes a continuum of cultural practice and identity, can be viewed as secret and sacred and today viewed as contemporised practice of history acknowledging transfer of knowledge, practice and kinship.

My experience of possum skin cloak revival was in 2014 through Traditional Ceremony, Tanderrum, where I was chosen to make several cloaks to be worn by the Elders including my Mum. This is where I learnt technique and design elements that remain present and relevant to lived experience. My work is an example of how culture and connection gives purpose and embeds a beautiful sense of belonging.

Each design panel holds a visual voice, a narrative that speaks to identity and kinship. Symbols and line work are found on old artefacts that indicate belonging to Wadawurrung people. The water marks and mountain patterns were passed on to me from Mum and her grandma.

Continuing this practice is for future generations as the walert walert holds significant healing properties. Making them and sharing knowledge aims to strengthen our Culture and bring family together. There is nothing like a good yarn while sewing or weaving and this is what the Elders do, and my ancestors always did together, sitting around sharing their way and teaching.

Physical description

9144.1 - Digital colour film featuring Wadawurrung woman Tammy Gilson speaking about the walert walert (possum skins cloak) she made for the National Wool Museum Collection, and the cultural practice of making cloaks. Film is 7 minutes and 3 seconds in length.

9144.2 - Digital colour film featuring Wadawurrung woman Tammy Gilson speaking about the designs which feature on the walert walert she made for the National Wool Museum Collection. Film is 14 minutes in length.