Canning Stock Route, 2020
$1,202.00
“Canning Stock Route that road, Highway.” – Ngamaru Bidu
The construction of the ‘Canning Stock Route’ cattle droving route in 1910 was hugely significant not only for the route’s extraordinary length of 1850km, but also in that it resulted in first contact with Europeans for many Martu (Aboriginal person/ people) still living a nomadic life in the desert at this time. This occurred because the route exploited many of the life sustaining water sources that ran its length with their conversion into 48 wells. Until that time, and for countless generations, the water bodies had been used exclusively by pujimanpa (desert dwelling, nomadic Aboriginals). In the construction of the route many Martu were cruelly coerced by Alfred Canning and his team into revealing the location of these traditional waters.
Following the Route’s completion, contact between desert dwelling pujimanpa and European and Martu drovers became increasingly common. This, in combination with an extreme and prolonged drought in the 1960s facilitated the eventual movement of the last remaining pujimanpa from the desert to several newly established ration depots and mission stations in the area surrounding the track. Of course, this dramatic transition irreversibly altered the lives of Western Desert people by disrupting centuries of family connection, custom, and movement.
This work explores the ecological nature, history, and social impact of a specific area of the Canning Stock Route that was traversed by the artist and their family during the pujiman (desert dwelling, nomadic) era.
Related Artworks
Artwork enquiry form
Spinifex Hill Studios Shipping policy
Artwork pricing includes domestic shipping and insurance within Australia. Goods are shipped via Australia Post or TNT and a tracking number will be issued. If you live locally, or can arrange to pick up your artwork, please contact us directly to obtain a discount. Should you prefer to use an alternative freight provider, contact us directly on (08) 9172 1699 or email us at [email protected] We do not currently offer online sales to international customers, however, if you live overseas and are interested in buying work, please email us at [email protected] Artworks are sent flat (unstretched), and rolled up either in or around a tube. This is not only the most affordable delivery option, but is also the safest way to avoid damage. If you need to find a framer in your state or territory capital, email us and we will endeavour to recommend one. Items are shipped within a week of your online purchase. Due to our regional location we cannot estimate how long your parcel will take to reach you, and we do not take responsibility for any delivery delays after the order has left the Studio or due to circumstances beyond our control.
Spinifex Hill Studios Refund policy
All artwork comes with a certificate of authenticity and conforms to the Indigenous Art Code, which preserves and promotes ethical trading. Because our artists are paid promptly after your purchase, we cannot give refunds nor accept returns on artworks if you simply change your mind.
Spinifex Hill Studios Return policy
We do not accept returns unless there was a defect in the Goods at the time of purchase or occurred during transit, or we have agreed in correspondence that you may return them. We do not accept returns if you simply change your mind.
