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Kunjuri (Rainforest Shield)

Traditional shields were carved from a single piece of timber cut from side of the buttress root of a rainforest fig-tree. The kidney shaped shields are unique to the rainforest Bama of Far North Queensland. They were decorated with clan, totem or moiety designs using natural ochres and a water, fat or blood binder.

Shields were primarily used for deflecting spears in tribal fighting in conjunction with large rainforest swords. Shields were usually made and painted by senior men and were a significant personal possession of adult males.

 

Name: Gregory Salt



Biography:

My name is Greg Salt, I started painting when I was very young and have continued to paint throughout my life. I also do wood carving, 3D objects that are cast in Bronze and artefacts for sale to tourists visiting Mossman Gorge.

 

I work four days per week at the Art Shed in Mossman Gorge and am keen to continue developing my art making skills. I have taken part in many workshops including printmaking (screen printing, monoprinting and etching) wood carving, ceramics and textiles.

 

My artwork is inspired by stories told by my Elders. It has been exhibited in the Yalanji Dreamtime Galley at Mossman Gorge and at the 2011 Cairns Indigenous Art Fair.

 


© the artist / art centre