William Barak was a leader of the Wurundjeri, one of the groups of the East Kulin nation, the traditional owners of the lands now occupied by Federation Square.

A painting by William Barak (Berac), believed to feature one of the ceremonies of his clan - the Woiwurung. As well as a painter, Barak (Berac) was Ngurungaeta, a clan leader.

William Barak [c. 1824 - 1903] was a senior member of the Wurundjeri people who lived on the land presently occupied by the city of Melbourne. He began painting in the 1880s and left a remarkable record of Aboriginal life and culture.

This painting features a ceremony which depicts hunting, with wallaby and emu. William Barak was ngurunggaeta (a clan leader) of the Woiwurung (Wurundjeri).

This shield (and Barak’s club) were purchased by the Koorie Heritage Trust in 1991 from a private collector.

The collector had purchased both artefacts from a shop called 'Decoration’ in Little Collins Street many years prior. 'Made by King Barak Last of the Yarra Tribe 18/12/97' is inscribed on the club in cursive script in black ink.

This club (and Barak’s shield) were purchased by the Trust in 1991 from a private collector.

The collector had purchased both artefacts from a shop called 'Decoration’ in Little Collins Sreet many years prior. 'Made by King Barak Last of the Yarra Tribe 18/12/97' is inscribed on the shield in cursive script in black ink.