Summary

First displayed at the Women on Farms Gathering, Ararat 1996 in the 'baton changing' ceremony at the conclusion of the Gathering. It has been suggested that it may be the icon for this Gathering, however this is not confirmed. The basket has been used at all Gatherings since Ararat in the 'baton changing' ceremony, and has been used to display local produce throughout the Gathering.

The closing of each Gathering and the anticipation of the next is celebrated with a formal 'baton changing' ritual, where a symbolic 'icon' is handed over from one organising committee to the next. Each item represents a story or message of some of the key themes and issues, which have shaped the meaning and experience of these women's rural identity.

Part of Museums Victoria's Invisible Farmer Project Collection. The Invisible Farmer Project was the largest ever study of Australian women on the land, uncovering the histories and stories of Australian women in agriculture and addressing the absence of rural women in mainstream histories and museums. It began as a pilot project (2015-2016) and evolved into a three year (2017-2020) nation-wide partnership between rural communities, academic, government and cultural organisations, funded by the Australian Research Council.

Physical Description

A large cane basket which is yellow/brown in colour with a cane handle. It measures 44cm by 38cm and is 48cm high

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