AIATSIS would like to acknowledge the Burarra people and thank the Maningrida Arts & Culture for their generous support throughout the development of this exhibition.
Marking the 60th anniversary of AIATSIS, this exhibition explores the first ROM ceremony (a 'ritual of diplomacy') performed in Canberra in 1982 by the Burarra people from the Blyth River area of Arnhem Land. This was the first ROM ceremony performed outside of Arnhem Land and marked a pivotal moment in cultural exchange and understanding. The ceremony was performed again in 1995 and at the official opening of the AIATSIS Maraga building in 2001.
ROM is performed to establish and re-establish friendly relations with neighbouring communities and Ancestors that travelled through their Country by presenting them with elaborately decorated totemic poles. The process of making, binding, and decorating the poles can extend over weeks and involves traditional song and dance ceremonies.
ROM is made up of a series of songs that include Jambich and Goyulan. The songs of the ceremony and the designs on the poles derive from the original Dreaming of the lands of the Burarra and neighbouring communities. The Jambich songs relate primarily to the Wild Bee, Honey and Crow. The symbolism refers to the energy and vigour of life and the pain associated with death. The Goyulan songs reference the Morning Star and evoke imagery of death and regeneration.
The exhibition will be on display in the Stanner Reading Room and Mabo Room at Maraga from 8 August to 12 November 2024.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples should be aware this exhibition contains images, voices and names of deceased persons.