Deadly Threads

What we wear is not just clothing; it can also be a statement. The Deadly Threads showcase at the State Library of Queensland is exploring this very concept.

The showcase includes more than ‘300 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designed singlets, t-shirts, polo shirts and jerseys’.

‘From colourful sporting jerseys to protest and artists' shirts, Deadly Threads looks at how the shirts have helped people freely express views, support community, show allegiances and champion causes.’

Louise Hunter is the Deadly Threads curator and Lead of Indigenous Services at State Library of Queensland.

‘The exhibition explores the stories behind the creation of these garments,’ Louise said.

‘For First Nations people these items have been created for many reasons. They help spotlight issues of cultural and historical significance, sporting endeavours and community initiatives. They are also part of protest action and the celebration or commemoration of dates and events of significance.’

Louise said Indigenous people have been creating and selling, bartering or exchanging these shirts for a long period.

‘The popularity of these items among the wider community has stemmed from the development of Reconciliation Action Plans and the advent of the Indigenous Rounds in the major sporting codes, such as NRL, AFL and netball,’ she said.

‘Seeing these items on a regular basis across Queensland then sparked conversations among State Library of Queensland staff about exploring the possibility of a showcase.

It started with about 20 pieces, which the library had already collected. Louise found others through word of mouth, social media, and by researching how significant events were celebrated.

‘I contacted Queensland’s professional teams for their 2020 Indigenous Round jerseys, dresses and singlets and engaged with successful Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and clothing businesses,’ Louise said.

There are of course some very significant items in the collection.

‘In late 2020, we acquired the Mabo Family Collection, shirts and ephemera that belonged to the late Dr Koiki and Bonita Mabo,’ she said.

‘Some of these items were personally created and worn by the Mabo family, and given the upcoming 30^th anniversary of the Mabo decision in 2022, we are especially proud to have these in our collection and on display in this showcase.’

The collection continues to expand as items are identified and sourced from across Queensland. The whole collection, being preserved for future generations, is being positively received by the public.  

‘We have been pleasantly surprised by emails from people who have visited the showcase and have provided details for items to donate or for us to purchase,’ Louise said.

‘The showcase also generated media interest, with journalists interviewing myself and NRL great Steve Renouf.’

The showcase is open until 15 August 2021 in kuril dhagun, level 1 at the State Library of Queensland.