Remembering Barak: Coranderrk

Barak lived at Coranderrk Aboriginal Station, a farming community near Healesville, from 1863 until 1903. Coranderrk was important for Barak because it stood on his own land, not far from where he was born. When questioned by a journalist in 1876, ‘Do you or do you not want to leave Coranderrk?’ Barak replied forcefully: ‘Yarra’, he said, ‘my father’s country. There’s no mountains for me on the Murray.’

Following Wonga’s death in 1875, Barak became Ngurungaeta of his people and worked tirelessly, forging diplomatic relationships with all peoples, to ensure that his people were strongly represented. He led several deputations to Government and, at a time of threatened closure, saved Coranderrk from being sold to greedy pastoral interests.

By the 1880s Coranderrk was receiving regular visitors and a tourist industry was formed, based on the production of artefacts and woven baskets. In this context Barak made most of his drawings, for which he became renowned, attracting commissions from notables such as the Governor Sir Henry Lock, who had been anxious to witness a corroboree, and Prince Albert was presented with a Barak drawing when he visited Victoria in 1881.

Barak was able to maintain his identity through his art in spite of cultural upheaval. He also took pride in displaying his culture, giving demonstrations of spear and boomerang throwing, and entertaining many audiences with his singing, dancing and storytelling. Photographers including Kruger, Nettleton and Caire visited Coranderrk and recorded Barak and other Kulin. Many artists, including Florence A. Fuller and Vincent de Pury knew Barak and were inspired to paint his portrait.

Fred Kruger
born Germany 1831
arrived in Australia (early 1860s)
died 1888
Badgers’ Creek, Aboriginal Station, Coranderrk, fishing scene c. 1866–87
Melbourne
albumen silver photograph
Gift of Mrs Beryl M. Curl, 1979
PH252-1979

 

Top image:

Fred Kruger
born Germany 1831
arrived in Australia (early 1860s)
died 1888
No title (Aboriginal group at Coranderrk) c. 1866–87
Melbourne
albumen silver photograph
Gift of Mrs Beryl M. Curl, 1979
PH236-1979