BUNDA ART | 'Tree Totem Collection: Cycad' | 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.” 

Cycad Fern

Yidiny word for the Cycad Fern is Badil

"As a child we called the seeds of the Badil rickety nuts and they were an important staple food at Yarrabah.

Before the Yarrabah Mission was set up, Basil was the staple food of the Gondangi.  The church missionaries changed this traditional way of food gathering and instead introduced rations of flour, sugar and tea.

As a result I did not grow up knowing this history, instead in later years it was only through reading books on the old cultural ways.

I read the story of how when the tail and breast feathers of the Willy Wagtail go white, the Elders knew it was the right time to  gather rickety nuts.  Sadly this practice is now long gone and I will never know the joy of eating badil damper." - Roy Gray

BUNDA ART | 'Tree Totem Collection: Cycad' | Sculpture | 2023 | Sculpture | 57 (h) x 25 (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.