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Published by CompNet Systems on

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.

Categories: Djilpin Arts Aboriginal Corporation

Name: Jason Garmu

Language: Yolngu

Community: Wugularr (Beswick)

Biography:

Jason is a self taught specialist in the art of making hunting implements including spear, bondock, boomerang, shield, and "jumbar-jumbar" or nula-nula/fighting stick.

Using a mix of traditional techniques and materials, through to modern "on hand at the time" components, all his hunting implements are functional. Some may be single use, but in the right hands are deadly. This crafting skill came from a desire to provide for self through hunting. As a young child he often needed a spear. He would use one, then go back to camp, and create a fresh one; Learn, rinse, repeat.

Bush tucker knowledge came from always being out on country & hunting. Cooking traditional ways went hand in hand with this.

Jason is a traditional Bungul dancer and occasionally plays didj for this ceremony.

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