School of Historical and Philosophical Studies - Theses
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ItemThis is how we live now : the lifestylization of home(University of Melbourne, 2008)
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ItemColonising Yolngu defence : Arnhem Land in the Second World War and transnational uses of indigenous people in the Second World War(University of Melbourne, 2008)The thesis examines the involvement in World War II of the Yolngu people of Arnhem Land, in the context of colonialism in the Northern Territory, and with comparative attention to the war experiences of the indigenous people of Papua New Guinea. and the Native American Navajo. Yolngu participated in the war through various avenues, including the provision of labour for white Australian war initiatives. Most notably Yolngu served as auxiliaries to non-indigenous military units such as the North Australia Observer Unit, and they also participated in the Northern Territory Special Reconnaissance Unit, which was exclusively Aboriginal apart from its leadership. Rather than representing widespread white Australian appreciation of Yolngu skills or recognition of Yolngu equality, the military employment of Yolngu continued structures of ideas and practices inherent in settler colonialism in the north. The military authorities, with government endorsement, organised Yolngu to utilise their skills in defence of the colonial project that was of itself simultaneously robbing Yolngu of their land and rights. Yolngu had their own motivations to work alongside white military, and for the most part participated willingly. Analysis of oral testimony points to their courageous efforts and, unlike the non-indigenous documents, positions Yolngu as central actors in Arnhem Land during the war. Comparative analysis of other colonised indigenous peoples' involvement in World War ll�Pacific Islanders in similar units in Papua and New Guinea, and Navajo Codetalkers in the United States�highlights the existence of common colonial practices that existed transnationally, alongside indigenous peoples' own sense of agency. This study re-centres indigenous people in war narratives while demonstrating at the same time how governments' reliance on indigenous skills and labour in times of crisis did not represent a fundamental change in relations, although for white authorities there were, eventually, unanticipated outcomes from the war for indigenous peoples.
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ItemAn investigation into the effects of dry cleaning sponge treatments on textile fibres( 2008)This thesis investigates the possibility of using dry cleaning sponges to remove soiling from textile artefacts. A literature review outlines the ethics of cleaning, current textile cleaning techniques, dry cleaning techniques from other conservation disciplines and the uses and composition of dry cleaning sponge. The experimentation is documented and the results of the SEM and EDS analysis discussed. It is concluded that dry cleaning sponge is a viable technique for cleaning textile fibres.
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ItemComparative study of the properties of jun funori and funori as consolidants for use in conservation( 2008)Funori, a form of red algae, is generally recognised as a good consolidant for matte paint, with a long history of use in Japan and China. In this study, the purified form, JunFunori, is compared to funori prepared in the traditional manner to determine if its lower level of impurities has an effect on ageing properties. Two additional materials are also tested: isinglass, and a mixture of isinglass and JunFunori. JunFunori is known to produce a weak bond, and mixing it with isinglass, which has been shown in the conservation literature to be another useful consolidant for matte paint, is said to increase bond strength and improve penetration. Previous studies have concentrated on the change in appearance of consolidants applied to unbound pigment samples, or cast as films and then aged. However, the interaction of the consolidant and the support is also of interest. In order to study ageing properties under more realistic conditions, the test solutions are applied in thin layers by brush to two common supports: a modern 100% cotton print paper and a naturally aged paper of unknown composition. The samples are then subjected to accelerated ageing at 100 C for 21 days. Analysis techniques employed include SEM-EDS for determination of presence of impurities such as salts, and optical microscopy for close examination of the surfaces of the samples before and after ageing. Chromaticity and colour difference in CIE L*a*b* coordinates and change in pH are also recorded at various points throughout the experiment. Additionally, FTIR-ATR is employed to detect signs of deterioration of the paper/consolidant system. Results of this preliminary study show that JunFunori does not have a clear advantage over funori in all circumstances. The level of impurities and colour of traditional funori do not appear to be of great importance in the thin films studied in this experiment.
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ItemAn investigation into the production, storage and packing of bark paintings in art centres in Arnhem Land, northern Australia.( 2008)Australian Aboriginal bark paintings on sheets of stringybark (eucalyptus tetradonta) provide an important basis for both a form of continued cultural expression and an acclaimed contemporary art form. In recent years, the deterioration of bark paintings has been found to be influenced by a combination of factors, including: the physical characteristics inherent in the materials; the external processing techniques applied to the materials; and the subsequent handling, storage and treatment of the paintings. However, while the increased susceptibility of bark to damage in uncontrolled environments has been well reported, the relationship between these issues and the often remote art centre locations in which bark paintings are produced has not previously been the subject of detailed consideration.This paper, based on a two week case study at Injalak Arts and Crafts Association in Oenpelli (Gunbalanya), and a survey of other established art centres in Arnhem Land and public institutions throughout Australia, provides an account of contemporary practice in the preparation of bark paintings within Arnhem Land, and the conditions of storage and transport of bark paintings within both the remotely located art centres and the public institutions in which many of these paintings are subsequently housed. It draws a number of conclusions about the practices of art centres and public institutions, details concerns specific to each, and identifies that the art centre has a potentially significant role in relation to the conditioning of bark paintings in the art centre environment. The paper provides recommendations for further research in this area in order to understand the unique role played by art centres and the impact of the art centre environment on the future conservation needs of bark paintings.
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ItemThe Symbolic Aspects of Ships( 2008)
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