Clapsticks are commonly cut from Iron Bark or Strinybark Trees, which are then sanded down and used for ceremonial practises, or simply as a musical instrument. These can be played by men and women and help to keep tempo in musical gatherings
Name: John Lemibanda
Language: Kunwinjku
Community: Jabiru
Biography:
'I was born in Darwin and I grew up at Madjinbardi Station. I moved from Madjinbardi to Jabiru with my family, but my family gone now.
I saw a man named Joshua Bangarr, he was my teacher, he taught me to paint. I was sitting there watching him lots of times, one day he said, 'come and paint with me'. I was not very good that day. He put a picture on the dolobbo (bark) and I sat alongside him and together we painted. In a few months I was doing my own picture, my own style. When he saw this he said, 'you ok'.
He was my teacher that old man, now I'm an artist myself.
I have my own things to paint, my own story telling. I'm proud of myself and I'm proud to teach my young ones our culture. I like to teach my young ones so they can teach their young ones.'
Ngarradj (Sulphur Crested Cockatoo) This piece was carved by Harold Goodman and painted by Irene Henry. Irene and Harold are partners that live at the Kakadu Outstation of Kapalga. Irene’s family are from Tiwi islands, Read more…
Ngarradj (Sulphur Crested Cockatoo) This piece was carved by Harold Goodman and painted by Irene Henry. Irene and Harold are partners that live at the Kakadu Outstation of Kapalga. Irene’s family are from Tiwi islands, Read more…