BUNDA ART | 'Mimusops Elengi (Parvifolia)' | Mixed media

Mimusops Elengi (Parvifolia)

“Yidinji word for this tree is Wum'lmbul and it is commonly called Spanish Cherry. The large shady Wum'lmbul tree that grew on the beach at Yarrabah was a source of "cool air-conditioning" during the long hot summers. That shade was a cultural classroom where oral history and stories related to Yarrabah were talked about and handed down through the generations.

The story of Burri Burri man was about a very powerful tribal man who was known within the Yarrabah community as possessing dangerous black magic powers. He could sing people to death or give them bad luck without explanation.

To avoid the dangers associated with the Burri Burri man the stories that reinforced the importance of avoiding contact with the Burri Burri man, not to cause any offence or conflict. Today the belief in black magic is still very strong, continues to explain "spiritual occurrence, life and death" and it is inappropriate to discuss it further here. Suffice to say that the Burri Burri man still strikes fear into the hearts of those who believe in him.”

- Roy Gray 'Wugan' & Jo Ann Beikoff 'Milba'

BUNDA ART | 'Mimusops Elengi (Parvifolia)' | 2025 | Mixed media  | H 1600 x W 350 mm