Summary

Model of a hay wagon and two bullocks made by Domenico Annetta at his home in Reservoir, Melbourne, about 1994.

It is one of a collection of ten hand-made items including seven models of the farming equipment Domenico Annetta used as a subsistence farmer in Calabria, Italy before migrating to Australia in 1960. Domenico made them as gifts for his adult children and grandchilren to show them the tools he used when he was a farmer in Italy. Every part of each of the models move and are completely handmade. Domenico also crafted a small ship in honour of his voyage to Australia.

Physical Description

Wooden brown painted wagon with red and silver painted wheels. Wagon full of dried hay/straw which is secured to wagon with brown twine. 2 brown and grey painted wooden bullocks attached with vinyl straps to a wooden yoke. The yoke is attached to the wagon with a plastic tie.

Significance

This model is one of a collection of seven agricultural models made by Domenico Annetta. His beautifully hand crafted models represent the conscious efforts of a parent to create in miniature traditional agricultural practices from his homeland to demonstrate his former life in tangible form to his children and grandchildren. Not only do they capture life in rural Italy but also give materiality to migrant memories and experiences in a form that can be visualised. The collection is enhanced by other items made by Domenico and photographs of Domenico making the agricultural models and his life both in Italy and in Australia.

The History & Technology collection holds a large collection of agricultural models, primarily made by hobbyists and of a high technical standard, notably the Boyle collection. The collection also has a small number of hand-made models or miniatures relating to the migrant experience, such as the Vietnamese fishing boat models and miniature prosthetics and the Bazzara dolls furniture set. There are also items which migrants have made in Australia to demonstrate or continue artistic traditions such as the D'Aprano and Mazzarino woven baskets. This particular collection offers a different perspective - creative practice that documents in tangible form the agricultural practices and mementoes of a migrant's homeland and life before migration.

More Information