Rainforest baskets return to family and country

Wilma Walker’s legacy

In the 1980’s, Viv Sinnamon visited Mossman Gorge where he met traditional weaver, The Late Wilma Walker and purchased three of her rainforest style baskets. Many years after her passing, Viv met two of her granddaughters, Larissa and Delissa at a Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair and later at Kowanyama when Larissa visited as a member of RAATSIC staff.

Viv discovered that the family had no examples of the old lady’s woven baskets at the Cairns Indigenous Arts Fair. It was decided that a basket be sent home to Mossman for the family from The Sinnamon Collection.

Time passed and Bennett Walker and his son in law were found unexpectedly entertaining everyone in Kowanyama at the 2020 NAIDOC celebrations. The family had a quick late-night tour of the Kowanyama Collection. It was Bennet’s first chance to see his mum’s baskets at Kowanyama. It was raining and everyone needed to leave for Cairns early morning. It was decided that two baskets would be securely packed for Viv’s departure from Kowanyama to Cairns later in the month. A night out at Cazally’s in Cairns was organised to enjoy a dinner with everyone and deliver the long-awaited baskets. The third example of Wilma Walker’s baskets is now held as a valued part of The Kowanyama Collection. Walker family baskets are currently on exhibition at the Cairns Regional Art Gallery. Wilma’s work is accompanied by granddaughter Delissa’s traditional and contemporary works.

Cairns Regional Gallery November 2020