Trepang – China and the Story of Macassan-Aboriginal Trade

They say you learn something new every day and today I certainly did today in Melbourne – the Macassan-Aboriginal trade in trepang (sea slugs) for the Chinese market. A small but fascinating little exhibition is currently on at the Melbourne Museum.

This exhibition tells the story of the ancient trade in sea cucumbers (trepang).

Trepang explores the long history of cultural exchange and trade between the Chinese, Macassan (Sulawesi) and northern Australian Aboriginal people.

Combining historical artefacts, paintings, maps and photographs with new works to tell the story of the Aboriginal and Asian contact around the trepang (sea cucumber) trade from the early 18th Century to the early 20th Century.

Trepang is founded on a 20-year friendship between classically-trained Chinese artist Zhou Xiaoping and highly respected Indigenous Australian artist John Bulunbulun.

Featuring contemporary works including cross-cultural collaborations of traditional Chinese and Australian designs.

Trepang forms part of The Year of Chinese Culture in Australia 2011 – 2012.

The exhibiton is on until October at the Melbourne Museum