BUNDA ART | ‘Tree Totem Collection – Alstonia Muellerana’ | Sculpture

Bunda comes from the Yidinji word meaning "putting things together to make something. The family connection between Roy Gray (Gimuy Walaburra Yidinji Elder)  and Jo-Ann Beikoff "Milba", spans 50 years, and through their multi-generational family friendship, are creating their own contemporary take on traditional art forms that have impacted Roy during his lifetime. Roy gave the name Milba to Jo-Ann Beikoff. Milba means Clever. Through their artistic partnership and reconciliation, Roy's childhood stories and history are brought to life through Milba's artistic interpretation and presentation.

Tree Totem Collection:

“These are strong memories of the early days of my learning to be a Hunter Gatherer and living off the foods our lands provided.”

Alstonia Muellerana        

“Yidinji word for this tree is Ngalumba, commonly called Hard Milkwood or Milky Pine is used with the Ngalgi wood to make fires.  

The Ngalumba is hard wood and the Ngalgi is a soft wood which together are used for this purpose.

In traditional Aboriginal times there was no such thing as matches or lighters to make a fire.  My ancestors made fire sticks from the Ngalumba tree which were drilled into Ngalgi wood which caused the soft wood to generate sawdust and the sparks that were generated were blown onto dry grass and fire was generated.

For cultural this practice is maintained at special ceremonies when we get together.   This practice provides soothing when used in ceremonies such as smoking after a death occurred,  it was often said that the that is generated cleansed and healed the broken spirit.

As a Yidinji Gimuy Walubara Elder I give Aboriginal Yidinji names to my family, which in non Aboriginal circles is akin to a christening.  It is a special moment when the name is given to that child or person and the generated smoke from the fire sticks envelopes them in the ancient rite of passage.” - Roy Gray

BUNDA ART | ‘Tree Totem Collection – Alstonia Muellerana’ | 2023 | Sculpture | 80 (h) x 39 (dia) cm 

All of the natural materials used in Bunda Art pieces are ethically sourced by Gimuy Walaburra Yidinji Elder and traditional owner, Roy Gray. Please note that they are fragile in nature and should be handled, worn, and stored with care.