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Karrangkal (Corals of the Great Barrier Reef)

Our beautiful Yalanji coastline has many places where the rainforest and the reef come very close together. The colourful corals on this fabric is a reminder of the rich ocean environments of the Great Barrier Reef that have nourished generations of our Kuku Yalanji families and culture.

This fabric helps to convey the traditional knowledge and complexe histories of how Kuku Yalanji used to live with the ocean, including the social rules and practical knowledge of how to hunt and cook various sea animals, distribute food and how to make important material cultural objects such as fish hooks, various traps etc.

Categories: Bamanga Bubu Ngadimunku Aboriginal Corporation

Name: Margaret Rocky

Language: Kuku Nyungkul, Kaantju

Community: Mossman

Biography:

I belong to the Kuku Nyungkal/Yalanji and Kaantju tribes. I was born at Laura Station in Southern Cape York Peninsula and went to school in Cooktown and then Lockhart River. I’m one of nine children (seven sisters and two brothers). My mum was Ruby Creek (nee Nunn) and she worked as a hairdresser. My dad worked as a stockman and as a diver for Trochus Shells. Later he worked with Goobidi Housing and Legal Aid, helping the people of Mossman Gorge.

 My mother’s language group is Kuku Nyungkul and my father’s language is Southern Kaanju. When we moved back to Mossman Gorge, I worked as a housekeeper and also doing odd jobs for different cane farmers. Over the years I’ve also been a foster mother to many children. I’ve attended TAFE and also participated in art classes at Douglas Art Base in Mossman. Here I began to develop my skills as an artist. Later, I became a member of Yalanji Arts, Mossman Gorge.

 I enjoy making art, particularly drawing, painting and printing on fabric and paper. Recently, I started to work with clay which also gives me lot of pleasure. I engrave ceramic coolamons, tiles and small bowls with my designs. The elders of my family passed on to me important cultural knowledge as well as everyday life stories, both of which I incorporate into my artwork.

My inspiration comes from the rainforest and ocean environments. Many of my fabrics and ceramics also show woven baskets. I used to weave baskets when a was a bit younger but this has become too difficult for me now

Since I have the opportunity to sell my work through Yalanji Arts, I hope that this will encourage the younger generations to find their talent and follow me in my footsteps.

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