Ngunyin (Dillybag) Dillybags played a vital part in Kuku Yalanji culture. Women used them to carry food when out hunting and gathering or soak bitter yams in creeks before cooking them. Dillybags were also used to hold personal and sacred items.
Birmba (White Cockatoo) Birmba (White Cockatoo) is my family totem. It has been passed down from generation to generation. White Cockatoos always remind me of my grandfather, my sisters and other family who have passed on. Th eyare like protective spirits for me, my family and my loved ones that have Read more…
Kurriyala (Carpet Snake) The carpet snake is an important animal for us. We call it Kurriyala in our Kuku Yalanji language. Our ancestors wrapped the meat in native ginger leaves and cooked it on the hot coals of the ground oven. They also used the skin to make head bands Read more…
Kakan (Black Palm) Basket Weaving This design shows how the bottom part of a black palm basket is woven. My grandmothers and aunties used to make them. They cut off the young palm leaves in the centre, stripped and scrapped them. Then they would put the strips in freshwater to Read more…
Makarr (Fish Trap) Fish traps are called Makarr in our language. They were made by men only. Our fathers and uncles used to make them with the lawyer vine. They stripped the stems and then soaked them in the river to keep them soft and bendy. They also had a special Read more…
Kakan (Black Palm) Basket Weaving This design shows how the bottom part of a black palm basket is woven. My grandmothers and aunties used to make them. They cut off the young palm leaves in the centre, stripped and scrapped them. Then they would put the strips in freshwater to Read more…
Ngangkin (Echidna) The Echidna is a very significant Totem for Kuku Yalanji Bama. It is sung and danced in ceremonies and has many secret meanings for us. Echidnas are very smart. They only come out in the cold season. Our old people used to make medicine out of certain parts Read more…
Bulkiji (Pipi Shellfish) We call pipi shellfish ‘Bulkiji’ to collect them all year around. But they taste best during the winter months from June to August. Some weekends, me and my family would go down to Newell Beach and stand in a line, then start digging with our feet for pipi shells. We Read more…
Bulkiji (Pipi Shellfish) We call pipi shellfish ‘Bulkiji’ to collect them all year around. But they taste best during the winter months from June to August. Some weekends, me and my family would go down to Newell Beach and stand in a line, then start digging with our feet for pipi shells. Read more…
Birmba (White Cockatoo) Birmba (White Cockatoo) is my family totem. It has been passed down from generation to generation. White Cockatoos always remind me of my grandfather, my sisters and other family who have passed on. They are like protective spirits for me, my family and my loved ones that have Read more…