From the collection
Along with making cloaks, possum fur was also used on shields. Museums Victoria's collection holds cultural belongings of First Peoples that teach us about this history.
Engraver
Tools such as a possum jaw engraver were used to incise the delicate markings onto cloaks. The tool was made of a hafted wooden handle bound to part of a possum jaw, and along with the markings different ochres were sometimes used to enhance the designs on the pelts.
This engraver was made by esteemed Elder the late Len Tregonning, for the Museums Victoria collections:
Shields
Possum skins were also wrapped onto parrying shields which are made of hard strong wood and used as weapons. The possum fur would be wrapped around the centre of the shield to protect the knuckles of the owner when holding it in combat.
The engraved marks on shields were also likely made with a possum jaw engraver and could be packed with red and white ochre for effect:
These designs, like the cloak told the unique story of the owner and the dazzling patterns of the shield could also create an optical illusion when fighting.
