For the second year in a row the AFL’s Indigenous Round will see Carlton’s Old Dark Navy Blue guernsey transformed into a work of art. Behind the detailed patterns, shapes and creatures, lies stories, meanings, symbolism and history.
When the Blues take on the Swans at the SCG on Friday night they will wear a masterpiece designed by Clive ‘Bidja’ Atkinson, a descendent of Yorta Yorta Nation in Echuca.
Traditional Yorta Yorta land runs along both sides of the Murray River roughly from Cohuna to Albury-Wodonga. It includes towns such as Echuca, Shepparton, Benalla, Corowa and Wangaratta, extending northwards to just south of Deniliquin.
Carlton midfielder Andrew Walker is from Yorta Yorta Nation and has known Atkinson since he was a young boy. He said he was delighted to call up his mate and ask him to design the jumper.
Atkinson is no stranger to creating beautiful works of art and is very well known in the local and international community. He was the first ever Koori graphic designer, led Australia’s largest design firm in the 1990s and has held exhibitions in London, Vancouver, Hamburg, Berlin, Frankfurt and Madrid.
In designing the concept for the Blues’ jumper, Atkinson said he gave thought to a number of important elements to provide a “strong Indigenous symbol” for the Carlton Football Club.
The Carlton players meet Clive Atkinson and his wife Judy in Yorta Yorta land during pre-season. (Photo: Carlton Football Club)
With the Murray River in mind, the Blues’ guernsey depicts three of the most highly respected symbols that have been handed down from Elder to Elder over thousands of years. One of these symbols is the Rainbow Serpent, which is recognised in Indigenous culture as the creator of the Murray River.
The tale goes that the creation spirit Biami sent a woman down from the high country with her yam stick to journey across the waterless plain. Biami then sent his giant snake to keep an eye on her. As the woman walked and walked she drew a line in the sand with her stick. Behind her the giant snake followed the trail, making the curves of the riverbed with his body. Biami then spoke in a voice of thunder before lightning flashed and rain began to fall into the track the woman and snake had made, thus the river was created.
Underneath the serpent on the front of the jumper are two Watjerrupna (long-necked turtles). The turtle is the Totem of the Yorta Yorta Nation and the two coming together symbolises solidarity, harmony, unity, strength and respect. The position they’re in also illustrates the ‘Symbol of Peace’.
On the back of the guernsey there are three Yenbena (Aboriginal people) holding hands. The three figures also represent solidarity, harmony, unity, strength and respect.
“The symbols project a simple timeless message of a proud nation of people who have occupied our vast region for many thousands of years and still today,” Atkinson said.
For your chance to own Carlton’s limited edition Indigenous guernsey visit The Carlton Shop online. You can also bid online to secure one of the match-day jumpers, which will be worn by the Blues on Friday night.
