BUNDA ART | ‘Tree Totem Collection – Myristica Insipida’  | Sculpture

Tree Totem Collection: Myristica Insipida 

"Yidinji word for this tree is Gurrmba commonly called the Wild Nutmeg.

The Gurrmba trees grew on an island in the forests of Buddabadoo, south of Yarrabah, Queensland.    Gurrmba Island was actually a built up land area in the middle of the water ways which originated in the nearby mountains

The colonising europeans renamed the tree with the above latin name and called it Wild Nutmeg.

I have no recall of the fruit having any significance as a food source for the Yarrabah residents other than attracting the pigeons.

The pigeons obviously enjoyed eating the fruit of this tree and were drawn to the branches when the fruit was in season around the end of the year.

As a child I clearly remember the large flocks flying overhead to settle in the trees, which alerted the hunters that a ready food source was at hand. After colonisation the introduction of rifles and shanghis made this an easier and less arduous task, but I am not sure it was as exciting.

Gurrmba is still fondly discussed when us old fellows get together and reminisce on past memories of successful food hunting, and how plentiful the bounties were from that spot.

Long gone are the days when we enjoyed the feast of pigeons, as more modern food sources are now our staple, but I can recall vividly how hungry Aboriginal boys looked forward to catching and eating this traditional meat." - Roy Gray 

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.

BUNDA ART | ‘Tree Totem Collection – Myristica Insipida’  | 2024 | Sculpture | 100 (h) x  48 (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 and stored with care.