Tasmanian aboriginal art inspires NBL Indigenous Round jersey

The Tasmania JackJumpers jersey for the NBL’s Indigenous Round was designed by Sharnie Read and showcases palawa Tasmanian Aboriginal art, found on rock carvings across the state, some dating back more than 14,000 years old.

The cultural symbols – known as petroglyphs – are made by using a traditional engraving practice to expose different colours beneath the rock surface, to create the ancient symbols, these engravings are sacred to the palawa people, Tasmanian Aboriginal people and are a true representation of the depth of history of belonging to our island.

These symbols are important connections to lutruwita [Tasmania], connecting people to place. The petroglyphs are incorporated into the jersey that includes the design of a jack jumper on a mound.

Tasmanian Aboriginal culture is quite unique – palawa artists do not use dot paintings found elsewhere in Australian aboriginal culture. Instead our palawa artist used lines and other cultural symbols to create the story that connects Tasmania’s native insect, the jack jumper, to ancient aboriginal artwork – the petroglyphs.

The JackJumpers will wear the jersey featuring Tasmanian Aboriginal art for the Round 14 game against New Zeleand Breakers during the NBL's Indigenous Round.