In the past, Kirbaji (dugong) was an important food source. It was men’s business to hunt dugongs and it was their responsibility to cook and provide the meat to all the families. The meat of the dugong was cooked in an earth oven.
Our ancestors also made oil form the dugong fat. They used the oil for medicinal purposes. They used it for skin and hair treatments. When people had an upset stomach they used the oil as an ointment.
Name: Lorna Shuan
Language: Kuku Yalanji
Community: Mossman
Biography:
I was born in 1965 at the Mossman Hospital and grew up in the Mossman Gorge Aboriginal community with all my family. I’m a traditional custodian for the Kubirri Warra area.
In 2008 I completed my Certificate IV in Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Cultural Arts. I enjoy painting or drawing my stories for printing on fabric and paper. I also tell my stories in clay: I do sgrafitto on ceramic bowls, coolamons and tiles.
I also like to paint on canvas. Selecting colours is important to me in all my art. I like bright colours, as for me they bring out more and make me happy.
My family and community motivate me to create art. It is important to follow your passion, heart and dreams and share your talents. It’s important to leave a legacy behind for your family and grandchildren, to help them feel proud and show that you are doing something that makes you happy and helps others.
The rainforest is a big part of my world, it gives me inspiration in my art. Mostly, I enjoy depicting birds - they represent my totems and their spiritual messages and remind me of my family. The Cockatoo and Cassowary are my totems. The Kurranji (Cassowary) is the Madja (Boss). When I paint Kurranji, I have a connection to the rainforest. He looks after the land, cultivating the land and has lovely colours. He is the leader of all birds in the rainforest. Parrots have beautiful rainbow colours which also make me feel happy when I think about family that have passed.
My art is connected with traditional ways, connected to the ancestors and my family - especially my grandmother and my grandfather. They give me life and strength.
Yindili (Kingfisher) The Kingfisher, known as Yindili in Kuku Yalanji language, is according to our culture one of the significant messenger birds. The Kingfisher will let us know when to expect a visit from families living in another Read more…
Birmba (White Cockatoo) Birmba (White Cockatoo) is my family totem. It has been passed down from generation to generation. They always remind me of my grandfather, my sister and other family members who have passed Read more…