Ngarrindjeri

Born 1939, Adelaide, South Australia

Resides Glossop, South Australia

Emily Meyer in a Ngarrindjeri elder who learnt to weave from her step father’s mother, Gran Rita Mason and Rita’s sister, Gwendoline Wilson. Emily made Baby basket from memory, using techniques shown to her by Gran Rita. She says of Rita, ‘Years ago you know they just done what they want with Aboriginal people, she was put in a mental institution. When she got out she used to weave, from the age of 8, 9, 10,and 11 I was watching Rita, learning.’

Baby basket is based on the Biblical story of the cradle of baby Moses. Emily lived at Swan Reach Mission where missionary teachings about the church, bible study, reading and writing were very influential. She say the mission was a big part of their life and that ‘Blackfellas are religious people naturally.’