Bora Rings

Size 

• 20 x 20cm 
  

Medium - Canvas, Plaster, Acrylic 

Bora Rings, or ceremonial grounds, are sacred ancient grounds that are used for ceremonial purposes as well as meeting places. Bora Rings were traditionally used for initiation of young boys into adulthood. They are commonly distributed widely throughout most of NSW and southern QLD. In South-East Queensland alone there were 120 known Bora Rings. 

This piece is inspired by traditional knowledge that was passed down to me by my older cousin Waylene, Bora Rings tended to consist of two rings of flattened earth of different sizes, connected by a pathway. However, in some places Bora sites may have comprised of three or more rings with several smaller ‘kuppa’ rings connected to the largest ring by a complex design of paths. Each ring was bordered by raised earth or stone of a height of 25-50 centimetres and had its centre cleared of debris and vegetable matter.