“In the night skies above Australia is the Southern Cross which has a dark patch or cloud next to it called the Coalsack Nebula. This dark place is associated with the “Emu in the Sky” with the Coalsack representing the head and the body and legs formed by the dust trails that reach out across the Milky Way.
During March the head and neck of the Emu appears in night sky and from April to May the full length is revealed in the sky from south toward south east. During this time the Emu is said to have legs by the Kamilaroi and Euahlayi peoples and is seeming to be in a running pose. This is said to be representative of the females who during the mating season run after the males.
During June and July the celestial emu appears to change its position with the disappearance of its legs and is said to be now male and sitting on its nest hatching the eggs. It is the male emu on earth that incubates the eggs. So the celestial Emu appears to reproduce the behavior of the earthly emu.
The Emu in the Sky is an example of how the Aboriginal Australians relate to the natural world on earth and the skies above them.
Kalaya is the Pitjantjatjara word for emu. And with little to no light pollution in my home in the Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara lands, the Emu in the Sky is clearly visible. The brush strokes on this latest collaboration with Ankalia represent Kalaya’s feathers, and the different colours represent the different interpretations of various language groups for the Emu. It also represents the uniting force of the Emu in the Sky; under which we are all one. Our approach to parenthood may differ, but there is one constant; our love for our children.”
An Ankalia wrap or ring sling is designed to be an effective parenting tool in your day to day life. Our carriers will allow you to get the basic tasks done while keeping your baby or toddler close. Our carriers will help you with anything from the vacuuming to shopping on a holiday at the beach, with your child right by your side.
Making sure that Ankalia is made within Australia is important to us. Many manufacturers are obsessed with producing their products as cheaply as possible, which generally means sending their wares offshore to be produced. We wanted Ankalia to be Australian designed, woven, and hand finished, as the babywearing world was calling for a premier Australian product - and we need to be satisfied that our fabrics are made in an ethical manner. Our designs are hand sketched by local artisans, and their trade and skill is transformed into fabrics literally designed to embrace your babies.
