BUNDA ART | 'Tree Totem Collection: Bush Guava' | Sculpture

Bunda comes from the Idinji 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.” 

Bush Guava 

Yidinji word for Bush Guava is Wujigay

"When I was growing up I learnt to find straight branches of the Wujigay tree and shape it into a spear.  The old people showed how to put the spear together with a bit of hardwood shaped as a spear tip.  

The spear was bonded with bark twine and the resin that we called Julgil (from the evodia tree).    The wujigay spare was popularly used in spear throwing competitions.   This was our version of the current Olympic Games,  and it was fiercely competitive. 

I remember one particular man (who I can’t name) was known to throw the spear the furtherest and as as I remember, he was never beaten.  This is a great memory as I look back and recount it." - Roy Gray

BUNDA ART | 'Tree Totem Collection: Bush Guava' | Sculpture | 2023 | Sculpture | 63 (h) x 27 (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.