Clapsticks are a traditional percussive instrument used by men and women in all Indigenous Australian communities, usually to maintain rhythm during song and dance.
They are used in ceremonies and social dancing, and may accompany other instruments such as the didgeridoo. Clapsticks, like may Indigenous cultural objects, can serve more than one purpose, such as a digging tool, or as trade items.
As part of the 1988 Barunga Festival, Hazel Hawke was presented with a number of gifts from women participating in the ceremony. Amongst these gifts were painted clapsticks. Depicted on these items are detailed dot designs specific to the Northern NT region. These items became part of the official Prime Minister and Cabinet Gift registry and donated to AIATSIS in 2017; forming a significant collection of items representative of an important event in our nations history.
