The coastal community of Yirrkala on the Gove Peninsula 650 kms east of
Darwin has a population of approximately 800 residents with Twelve clan
groups represented (predominantly Djapu, Gumatj, Rirratjingu). There is
also a large homeland population of approximately 600 residents,
dispersed over 21 communities with the largest being Baniyala with 110
residents.
Djalu Gurruwiwi
Djalu Gurruwiwi is a senior member of the Galpu clan of north east Arnhem Land and an internationally recognised didgeridoo (yidaki) maker and player. Djalu has been making and playing yidaki since he was very young, and his is a serious cultural responsibility as many sacred aspects of cultural knowledge and practice are linked to the yidaki.
He is also a painter of renown whose works have appeared in exhibitions at the National Gallery of Victoria, the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra and the Museum of Contemporary Art, Sydney as well as many others. He paints ochres on bark, makes Larrakitj memorial poles and of course makes and paints yidaki.
