Cultural context
Maker: Winiwini ‘Larry’ Gurruwiwi
Clan: Gälpu
Moiety: Dhuwa
Homeland: Ŋaypinya
Ŋaypinya is one of the traditional estates of the Gälpu clan, situated on the shores of Caledon Bay in the Gulf of Carpentaria, north of Birany Birany homeland. Even though Ŋaypinya is a significant place for the Gurruwiwi’s, it does not have established infrastructure, only occupied occasionally by the traditional land owners and families.
Residency: Birritjimi community
Birritjimi, also known as Wallaby beach, lays on Rirratjiŋu clan estate, about 10 minutes drive to the north of Nhulunbuy township. The community was originally built for the workers of the nearby mine, today it is occupied by several Yolŋu families since the past decade or so. Birritjimi is well known amongst yiḏaki enthusiasts who were visiting the region, as well as spending time with the Gurruwiwi family, crafting and learning to play the instrument.
Artist: Dhopiya Yunupiŋu
Clan: Gumatj
Moiety: Yirritja
Homeland: Birany Birany
Birany Birany is a small homeland on the eastern side of Northeast Arnhem Land, on the shores of Caledon Bay. The homeland lays on Gumatj clan land, and home of several Yunupiŋu families; the community includes a few houses and a shop.
Residency: Yirrkala
Yirrkala is the major Aboriginal community of the the Miwatj region, the North-east part of Arnhem Land. The community was established by the Overseas Methodist Mission in the mid-twentieth century, and became the semi-permanent home of members of about 15 different clan-groups who were residing the region in the pre-colonial history. Today, Yirrkala has over 800 residents, have a school, shop, and the home of the word-renowned Buku-Larrŋgay Mulka art centre.
