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National Library of Australia News September 2006
On the cover this month
Indonesian fan, the gunungan or mountain, the symbol of the unity of the cosmic order c.1970
coloured buffalo-leather fan, with horn handle; 107.0 x 47.7 cm
Pictures Collection, nla.pic-vn3425400

The gunungan plays a significant role in Javanese puppetry. A mountain-shaped symbol of world order, the gunungan depicts the abode of the gods and has been identified with the tree of heaven. It is thought that the symbol has Indian origins and it is regarded as a holy object that brings luck to its owners. The fan forms part of the remarkable collection of objects that have been given to the Library’s Asian Collections. Read more about this precious resource in this issue.

September 2006 Volume XVI Number 12

From Statues to Shadow Puppets
  Andrew Gosling discovers the rare and unusual Asian gifts that have been presented to the National Library
In the Company of Chaplin
  Barry York reveals the life of Roy Rene, Australia’s great folk comic
Long Live the News!
  Hilary Berthon explains how NPLAN is working to save our newspaper heritage
Crossing a Chasm on a Tightrope
  Using oral histories that she recorded for the National Library, Diana Giese looks at the struggles underlying the lives of two inspirational Australians
Umbrella Feet: Children’s Folklore and the National Library

Gwenda Beed Davey investigates the importance of children’s traditional games
FRIENDS PAGE

A regular news page about the activities of the Friends of the National Library of Australia

 
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