Tatar-Bashkurt Banner

This banner is part of the museum's Community Banners project, 'Memories and Dreams'. It is symbolic of Tatar-Bashkurt immigrants' experiences in South Australia.
This banner celebrates the Tatar-Bashkurt emigration from their motherlands to Australia. The banner is made for hanging on a rail with a deep folded hem provided at the top. The outside frame is in white. Along the top and bottom is a wide border - top in red on green all outlined in gold thread - the bottom in green, white and blue outlined in gold thread. The centre piece has a pale blue background outlined in gold braid to form a 'temple' shape. A large circular piece in royal blue is outlined in white braiding. Four white swans/geese are sewn to this and linked by a pearl bead design.
In the centre of this is a red sequinned crescent shape beneath which is a T in white sequins within a circle of black sequins. A border within the braid and outside of the swans/geese has written in pearl beads: CRIMEA EDEL URAL SIBERIA TATAR BASHKURT'S MOTHERLAND. Below this circle is a gold map of Australia, outlined in gold thread. Across the centre are Sturt Desert Pea flowers in red with raised black beads. Gum leaves and nuts in green and gold are topped with gold beaded flowers. A spray of wattle is sewn with yellow, brown and green beads, beneath which is a red flower with gold beaded interior. A spray of flowering gum is sewn with brown, green, copper, multi-coloured and yellow beads. The bottom is finished with a gold coloured fringe.
The decorations at the top and bottom of the banner represent classical Tatar & Bashkurt designs. The white background of the banner signifies spiritual purity; the blue 'tower of life' represents a holy link to Turkish ancestors. The three swans/geese circle the special emblem of the Tatar and Bashkurt Golden Horde's kingdom, signifying the motherland. A fourth swan/goose flies away in the direction of Australia, which will become its new home.