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Clapsticks

Wood carving has always been part of Aboriginal culture and Djilpin artists continue this tradition. Men carved wood for many purposes – tools for hunting or gathering food, axes and knives for building shelters, spears and clubs for protection of their lives and territory, objects for ceremony and to mark sacred sites.

Hunting implements include the boomerang, woomera and spear. The woomera is a lever which helps to increase the speed and distance the spear travels. Clapsticks are used as percussion instruments by the Songmen to accompany dancing along with the didgeridoo (mago).

As well as the more functional carvings, artists portray animals and birds in wood, and these carvings are often painted. Ceremonial carvings include spirit creatures including mukuy (devil devils) and mimi.

Some fine mimi figures have been cast in bronze.

Name: Darryl Jolly


Language: Dalabon, Rembarrnga


Community: Wugularr (Beswick)


Biography:

Darryl has a long involvement with the Djilpin Art's board, including previously serving as Deputy Chair. He is also involved with day to day operations and is a tour guide for Djilpin. He is proud to share his peoples knowledge and traditions, and has a very approachable, friendly way of interacting.

As a busy man he doesn't have a lot of spare time to create art, however does carve and work on modern mediums such as prints and etchings. Carvings include boomerang, clapsticks and shields. He also occasionally shapes and tunes mako (didjeridu) before passing to others to paint.


© the artist / art centre