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Aboriginal Turtle Floor Rug
LIJ2400
MTA Teachers Resource Catalogue Page: 702
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Bring culture, comfort, and creativity together with the Aboriginal Turtle Floor Rug, a stunning play mat featuring the distinctive artwork of celebrated Aboriginal artist John Smith Gumbula. Designed to elevate any learning or play space, this circular rug beautifully integrates Aboriginal symbolism and contemporary function. The turtle design is not just visually captivating—it is a powerful symbol of connection to land and water, drawing from ancient stories and cultural wisdom. Crafted with premium memory foam and topped with a soft polyester velvet surface, the rug ensures both comfort and safety, while the non-slip backing keeps it firmly in place during energetic play or classroom activities.
Measuring 150 cm in diameter, this versatile mat is ideal for storytelling circles, quiet reading corners, or as a central feature in cultural learning zones. Its rich colours and intricate design encourage children to engage with and appreciate Aboriginal heritage while supporting sensory comfort. More than a decorative piece, the mat is a meaningful educational resource that promotes cultural inclusivity and environmental respect, inspiring curiosity and connection through play. The blend of function, art, and tradition makes it a treasured addition to any early childhood or primary setting.
Educational Benefits:
- Introduces children to Aboriginal cultural symbols and storytelling.
- Supports sensory learning through soft, tactile textures.
- Encourages social interaction and imaginative play in group settings.
- Fosters appreciation for diversity and Indigenous perspectives.
Classroom Ideas:
- Use during group storytelling to explore turtle Dreamtime stories and their meanings.
- Incorporate into NAIDOC Week or Reconciliation Week learning spaces.
- Provide as a calm zone for reflection, reading, or mindfulness activities.
- Integrate into learning themes around land, water, and animal symbolism.
Information:
- Ages: Suitable for Early Years and Primary
- Measurements: 150 cm diameter
About the Artist:
JOHN SMITH GUMBULA
‘QEII SILVER JUBILEE QUEEN’S TRUST AWARDEE’
CULTURAL AMBASSADOR | SENIOR INDIGENOUS AFFAIRS ADVISOR | CHIEF CREATIVE
Biography brief:
Uncle John Smith Gumbula began his remarkable artistic and cultural journey at an early age in the winter of 1978 at the age of ten, from a hospital bed in Mount Morgan, Gangulu Country Queensland, after being diagnosed with Scheuermann’s disease a spinal condition that would become the unexpected catalyst for a lifetime of creative and cultural expression.
Today, Uncle John Smith Gumbula stands as a highly respected Cultural Ambassador, with over four decades of dedicated advocacy and leadership across the arts, cultural affairs, education, technology, and innovation. A proud Wakka Wakka | Gurang Gurang man, with Gamilaroi and Iman family lineage, Uncle John holds strong cultural connections with Indigenous communities across Queensland, and Nationwide.
As a proud adopted son of the Yolŋu people of Galiwin’ku (Elcho Island) in Arnhem Land, Uncle John carries with him a deep and diverse wealth of cultural knowledge, lived wisdom, traditional practices, and storytelling. His experience spans more than four decades, with a broad local and international footprint that has evolved across multiple industries, sectors, and diverse communities, making him a trusted and unifying voice in the journey toward reconciliation, cultural empowerment, inclusion, shared futures, and generational change.
On his late mother’s side, he also carries an ancient Irish and Scottish bloodline, creating a unique cultural identity that bridges First Nations and Celtic traditions.
Recipient of the prestigious ‘QEII Silver Jubilee Queen’s Trust Award’, Uncle John is internationally well versed and traveled, recognised for his passionate leadership in “creating cultural bridges of understanding on a world stage.” His passion, wisdom and philosophy is to inspire, and be inspired, we are teachers and students for each other on this dreaming pathway journey of life. Formulating diverse creative practice and cultural consultancy have evolved on his global journey, highlighting the cultural spiritual significance and celebrating Indigenous knowledge and wisdom, establishing cross-cultural strategic partnerships, and positioning meaningful educational creative inclusion across multiple sectors, and global nations.
“My Cultural Heritage proudly resonates in my Heart, Spirit, and Life, keeping culture strong and alive, spiritually and physically connecting me to Country.”
Uncle John Smith Gumbula - Aspiring Elder | Uncle & Grandfather
This furniture has a risk of falling over. Wall anchors should be used when an item has a warning tip over label.
Children have died from furniture tipover.
- ALWAYS secure this furniture with an anchor device.
- NEVER allow children to stand, climb or hang on drawers, doors, or shelves.
- NEVER open more than one drawer at a time.
- ALWAYS place heavy items down low.
