The 'Porter' series is a compilation of 15 tapestries designed by William Kentridge and woven in the Stephens Tapestry Studio. The overarching theme of the group is migration and ‘portage’—literally, to bear one’s cargo between seas and rivers. The tapestries show silhouetted figures laden with artefacts traversing continents as depicted by maps taken from an 18th century French school atlas.

Kentridge’s original maquettes, designed specifically for the amplified textured wall hangings, are collages of torn and cut paper attached to board. The limbs of the figures are pinned into position so that they are able to be moved like a puppet. These pins also form part of the design that is translated into the tapestry.