Kurriyala (generic snake, also rainbow serpent) Kurriyala is the big name for a number of different snakes that live on Kuku Yalanji country. It is also used to refer to the rainbow serpent, the most culturally significant totem or creator being for the Kuku Yalanji clan groups. In this art Read more…
Kurranji (Cassowary) The cassowary is one of the major totems (Ancestral Spirit Beings) for our Kuku Yalanji people. He is a big, dangerous bird that rules the rainforest. The cassowwary can attack people but at the same time he helps growing many of the plants we used to collect for Read more…
Wakuka (Kookaburra) Wakuka (Kookaburra) is an important totem or spiritual being for our Kuku Yalanji clans. We call him a messenger bird because he lets us know when a family member has passed away.
Diwan (Scrub Turkey) Many years ago, our ancestors lived in harmony with the rainforest and other parts of the land, they knew many different ways of hunting and gathering for food. Diwan (Scrub Turkey) was an important food source for us. The women used to collect the eggs in a Read more…
Yinjul (Rainforest Parrot) The rainforest parrot is a very important totem (spirit being) for all Kuku Yalanji clan groups. Cultural knowledge of this spirit being has been passed down from generation to generation. The rainforest parrot cannot be touched or hunted for food. They have to be left alone. They 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…
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…
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…
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…