historical benefits to tasmania
As with all populations, Tasmania’s first peoples identified that different timbers have characteristics that better suit them for different purposes. Tasmanian special timbers were used for shelters, hunting tools, clapping sticks, baskets, watercraft and a myriad of other uses over millennia. Following this tradition of inquiry, the unique and special nature of some of Tasmania’s timbers was quickly identified by French naval officer, Captain Huon de Kermandec when his expedition discovered beached Huon Pine logs in 1792. British settlement in 1804, soon led to the practical use of local timbers and in particular Huon Pine logs salvaged from the shoreline in the D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Huon River.
TRADITIONS, VALUES AND CULTURE
200 years on and these specific timber characteristics are still valued, however the tradition of transformation from forest to valued object occurs within contemporary societal values. The cultural core of crafting beautiful objects from a timber totally suited to its purpose remains.
TRADITIONS, VALUES AND CULTURE
200 years on and these specific timber characteristics are still valued, however the tradition of transformation from forest to valued object occurs within contemporary societal values. The cultural core of crafting beautiful objects from a timber totally suited to its purpose remains.
evolving traditions and new futures
Tasmania is entering a new era where authenticity, crafting and making things is increasingly central to its positioning; a foil to the emerging city concentrated, service oriented and “quick” societies and economies. Our visitor economy is increasingly dominated by people from such cities; grounding themselves in Tasmania.