BASEL.- A highly significant carved tree, known as a dhulu (thulu), was returned on Thursday 28 November to the Gamilaraay Community from north-east New South Wales, Australia, at a formal ceremony held at the Museum der Kulturen Basel, Switzerland.
In a profoundly generous gesture, Gamilaraay Community representatives responded by gifting the Museum with a newly carved dhulu. The carving of the new dhulu replicates the designs of the century-old dhulu as closely as possible, thereby signifying the Community’s wish that the story of Gamilaraay culture continues to be shared with the people of Switzerland, Europe and the world.
The dhulu was once part of a group of carved river red gums on Brigalow Creek, a tributary of the Namoi River. They were associated with a ceremonial ground near the small New South Wales town of Boggabri. Dhulu hold deep spiritual meaning for the Gamilaraay Community: it is an ancestor and family member; it embodies knowledge and has agency. The markings are associated with specific families, tell their story, and lend them a voice.
The dhulu was cut down in the early 20th century and transported to Sydney before its sale to a Swiss researcher, Lucas Staehelin, who gifted the dhulu to the Museum der Kulturen Basel in 1940.
The dhulu was located in 2022 during a research trip by Bundjalung, Gamilaraay and Muruwari man, Professor Brian Martin (Monash University), Yorta Yorta woman Kimberley Moulton (Curator-TATE Modern/Rising/Monash), and Boon Wurrung Senior Elder Professor N’arweet Professor Carolyn Briggs AM (Monash University) to study the significance of trees in south-east Australian Aboriginal cultures. This 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.
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. Approval for its return was given by the Basel Government in January 2024. Further support for the return was provided by the Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS).
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.
The Australian Government’s, AIATSIS-led, Return of Cultural Heritage program works to identify and facilitate the return of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural heritage material held in overseas collections. Since 2018 the program has supported the return of more than 2,300 culturally significant items.
Gamilaraay Elder, Greg Bulingha Griffiths and Gamilaraay Representative, Wayne Griffiths Jnr said, " The return of the dhulu is deeply significant for us. It represents more than just an artefact coming back; it’s a reconnection to our ancestral heritage and the teachings that have sustained our community for thousands of generations. The dhulu carries the stories, values, and wisdom of our ancestors. 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. It’s a powerful feeling to know that our children will grow up with this piece of their history close to them, and that they will see a symbol of resilience, rather than loss. The return of the dhulu signifies that our culture endures, that it can be reclaimed, and that it is a source of strength and identity for our community. This return counters the painful narrative of continual loss of culture and language that our community has faced for so long. Instead, it represents renewal, demonstrating that cultural heritage can be preserved, respected, and even restored. 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 gifting of a new dhulu to the Basel Museum is a gesture of gratitude and respect for the partnership that has allowed the original dhulu to return home. This reciprocal arrangement emphasises that collaboration between museums and Aboriginal communities is 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."
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Senator the Hon Malarndirri McCarthy said, "Safeguarding our Indigenous cultural heritage is vital to the continuation of Australia’s rich and diverse First Nations cultures and ensures the stories of our ancestors are passed on and shared for generations to come. This century-old dhulu holds a special place in the hearts of the Gamilaraay people, both spiritually and culturally.
The dhulu’s return to its rightful owners and the Gamilaraay community’s beautiful gesture of gifting a newly carved dhulu to the Museum der Kulturen Basel, represents the importance of collaboration built on mutual respect in these types of repatriation efforts. This partnership has resulted in a wonderful outcome for all parties, I’m delighted the Gamilaraay people can welcome the return of this significant cultural item, and at the same time, their story can continue to be shared with Switzerland, Europe and the world."
