Lila Creek , Sonya Creek
56 x 11 x 9cm : Earth & Dry Pigment on Driftwood
CAT# 524a-22
Mangkurru Kiju
I am Kuku Nyungkul from the Shipton Flat area. I am a saltwater and freshwater woman.
I collected rainforest driftwood from Weary Bay beach to create a mangkurru (mangrove). Mangroves are critical to the health of our environment. They protect us from cyclones and are nurseries for many fish species.
The driftwood has been painted with white clay to represent bleached coral and bones. The iconography on my mangrove depicts mili (stinging tree – Dendrocnide moroides), yunga (green ants) and kiju (mud crabs).
My grandmother is from Wujal Wujal, where the Stinging Tree is known as Mili. My grandfather is from Coen, where it’s called Appun. Mili leaves are covered in fine hairs that cause a painful sting if touched. Wild tobacco or urine is applied to neutralise the sting. The Mili is my totem.
The spirals painted on the driftwood depict yunga. Our grandparents taught us how to collect yunga and make them into bush medicine. The ants are mixed with a bit of water to make a drink and chest rub; it clears blocked noses and helps with breathing.
My family loves spending time camping on Country. My mum Lila Creek taught us how to hunt and collect food. I asked her to paint kiju (mud crabs) on my mangrove tree’s roots to represent the importance of traditional knowledge and practices. I am very proud of my culture and working hard to pass it on to my kids and grandkids.
Us bama are very worried about climate change and see the impact here in Wujal Wujal and surrounding areas. I created this piece to raise awareness about this critical issue. We want to protect our Country and culture for the future generations.
