The Shadow Taboo is an old Gamilaraay tradition where one must avoid stepping on the shadows of others. Jared Field shares this traditional custom through the story of Etta – a girl who learns this lesson the hard way when she stands on her baawaa’s (sister’s) shadow. Etta turns to the spirit tree for guidance and is shown the importance of respecting the personal space of others – and the value of having her own personal space – and after apologising to her baawaa, swears to always ask herself:
The spirit tree knows The spirit tree cares Where is my shadow? And where is theirs?
Where is theirs? And where is mine? To hurt a shadow Is surely a crime
When Etta steps on Baawaa’s (her sister's) shadow, she learns of the Shadow Taboo, and learns to value the personal space of others, as well as her own.
Written by Gamilaraay author JM Field and illustrated by Ngarabal/Gomeroi artist Jeremy Worrall,Etta and the Shadow Taboowill invite readers to follow a Gamilaraay tradition where one must avoid stepping on the shadows of others.
Christmas Cut Off Dates
Thanks for all the support this year.
Any buy now products from our online shop will not be processed untill we return on the 27/12/25.
Any acknowledgement of country plaque & decal orders will be processed on the week of the 5th of January and it is a 2+week delivery timeframe from then.
Christmas Cut Off Dates
Thanks for all the support this year.
Any buy now products from our online shop will not be processed untill we return on the 27/12/25.
Any acknowledgement of country plaque & decal orders will be processed on the week of the 5th of January and it is a 2+week delivery timeframe from then.
