Archive · 10 Jan 2026
Songlines Exhibition Tracks Seven Sisters Saga
The Songlines exhibition in Delhi tells the story of seven sisters being chased by a shape-shifting man named Wati Nyiru.
This story is important to Australian First Nations people and teaches lessons about morals, nature, and spirituality.
The exhibition uses big pictures, songs, and special rooms to make visitors feel like they are part of the story.
Elders from the First Nations communities helped create the exhibition to make sure it is shown in the right way.
The exhibition also has special objects like baskets and clay pots that represent the characters in the story.
It ends with the sisters becoming stars in the sky and Wati Nyiru turning into a rock, showing how stories can shape the land.
The exhibition is a big deal because it brings Australian culture to India and helps people understand and appreciate it.
The Songlines exhibition in Delhi presents an Australian First Nations creation saga of seven sisters pursued by Wati Nyiru.
The exhibition is a collaboration between the National Museum of Australia and the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art.
First Nations Elders played a crucial role in shaping the exhibition to ensure cultural accuracy and respect.
The exhibition uses immersive installations, paintings, woven baskets, and dance performances to tell the story.
The exhibition highlights the ethical and logistical challenges of transporting culturally significant and fragile materials.
- Who
- First Nations Elders and communities, including Anangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY), Ngaanyatjarra, and Martu
- What
- An exhibition showcasing the Australian First Nations creation saga of the Seven Sisters
- When
- Currently on display at Humayun’s Tomb Museum in Delhi
- Where
- Humayun’s Tomb Museum, Delhi, India
- Why
- To share the cultural and spiritual significance of the Songlines and to deepen cultural dialogue between India and Australia
- Exhibition Name
- Songlines: Tracking the Seven Sisters
- Location
- Humayun’s Tomb Museum, Delhi
- Partners
- National Museum of Australia, Kiran Nadar Museum of Art
- Story Origin
- Western and Central Australia
- Key Elements
- Projections, paintings, woven baskets, ceramic vessels, dance performances
- Custodianship
- First Nations Elders
- Materials Used
- Grass, emu feathers, and other fragile materials
- High Commissioner's Remark
- Deepens cultural dialogue between India and Australia