John Byers

20,000 Years of Duck Decoys John Byers

Duck decoys represent a deep-seated interest in nature that has resulted - in North America - in the effective conservation of its natural wetlands. Surprisingly, on the driest of all inhabited continents, decoys were used by Australian Aborigines over the millennia, evolving from ancient bark discs. The modern form in Australia derived some 165 years ago out of Scandinavia, in company with European settlers. Duck decoys and callers in Australia have advanced through hand-made, mass-produced and decorative styles - coinciding with shifts in active interest in waterfowl species unique to this continent from food to later recreational pursuits to a now-increasing value as art and other imagery. Such a legacy, in all its forms and with all its history, offers a potential value for wildlife management here. The full history is documented for the first time; selected examples (including 446 illustrations) cover all types and include reference to the leading carvers and collectors in this most colourful landscape.