For generations, intricate animal skin cloaks, commonly covering from neck to toe, have been used as everyday wear.
Possum skin is commonly used on the south-eastern side of the continent and in some areas of the south-western side, in what is to become known as south-east Queensland to Tasmania and across to the south-western areas of Western Australia.
Cloaks serve multiple practical purposes including protection from the cold and rain and as baby carriers.
Some other types of animal skins used to make cloaks include: kangaroo, sugar glider, wallaby, koala and more.
There are significant qualities of possum skin that differentiate it from the other animal cloaks and rugs. Its fibres are hollow and the fur has exemplary thermal properties to keep you warm or cool and dry; and further, the fur doesn’t freeze.
Animal skin cloaks are an important part of a person's identity and legacy. The make of the cloak itself and the sewing patterns used within them is very important. Individual designs are representational of all levels of knowledge the person holds.
This deep knowledge includes knowing one’s country, human behavior, and how the world works. Cloaks also tell stories of belonging, of place, and of the sacred and spiritual — representing unique and distinct tribes and language groups. Therefore they are highly treasured and used in ritual burials where people are laid to rest in their cloak.
Cloaks are also used in many other ceremonial and spiritual settings such as marriages, graduations, baby naming, and connection to country. In what is to become known as Victoria, cloaks are often used as a shroud for boys going through initiation ceremonies, the cloaks are covered over the head and shoulders of the young men.