This unusual Figurative Sculpture consists of four 7m tall standing bullet cartridges - officially known as '.303 British', and three .303 shells lying down - one of which appears to be partially embedded in the edged crushed granite base that is shaped like a boomerang. The sculpture is to acknowledge the military service given voluntarily by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the Australian Defence Force.
The word Yininmadyemi could be translated from one of the Sydney-based Koori (indigenous) groups to mean 'Thou Didst Let Fall'. The title enhances the commemorative purpose.
From the 'City of Sydney' website for the sculpture is the following:
"The artwork is composed of four standing bullets and three fallen shells. The bullet is a universal signifier for conflict. The arrangement of the bullets, with some standing and some fallen, represents those who survived and those who were sacrificed.
"The artwork also references the circumstances faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander service men and women when they returned to Australia. They were treated differently from their white Australian comrades who were given land for their service while Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were still having their land taken away.
"Hyde Park South has been chosen as the location for the artwork due to its status and historical significance. The site was once a ritual contest ground, a crossroads for traditional walking trails, and an important site for ceremony, gathering and camping. It is also home to the ANZAC Memorial." [ex-YININMADYEMI
Engraved in the base of one of the 'discarded' cartridges, is the following inscription:
YININMADYEMI
Thou didst let fall
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have always
defended their country. Indigenous Australians are known
to have served in the state colonial forces before Federation
and have proudly carried on this tradition of service.
"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander diggers experienced
the horror of war on the battlefield and many made the ultimate
sacrifice. The sad reality for these veterans was that equality
in the country they fought to defend remained a distant dream.
"This memorial on the land of the Gadigal clan pays tribute
to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
who have defended our country - the unsung heroes,
our brothers and sisters, our mates.
We remember those fallen
We honour those standing
Nearby (to the north) is a round cast bronze plaque placed by the 'City of Sydney' with the cast text milled, so that the black textured background makes the text readable. The inscription is:
YININMADYEMI Thou didst let fall
Tony Albert
"YINIMADYEMI Thou didst let fall is located near the historic site of a ritual contest ground on Gadigal land. The artwork honours the bravery and sacrifice of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men and women who have served their country.
"Inspired by the story of the artist's grandfather, Eddie Albert, YININMADYEMI Thou didst let fall comprises four standing bullets to represent those who survived and three fallen shells to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
"Unveiled by Lord Mayor Clover Moore 31 March 2015"
Sundry References:
Wikipedia: Yininmadyemi;
.303 British
Address: Hyde Park South, 120 Elizabeth Street, Sydney, NSW, 2000, Australia
Visited: 1119, Sunday, 19 January, 2020