Djul’djul Gurruwiwi

Djul’dul is the daughter of the famous Galpu clan artist MithinarriGurruwiwi. She is a very precise and knowledgeable wood carver and painter. Together with her sister Manany and brother Watjuku (deceases) they have inherited a lot of painting knowledge and skill from their father. All three artist also share the same Gumatj mother, Duwambu Burrawarja.

Djul’djul’s husband is Burrjupurrju (Bruce) Wunurjmurra, a highly respected yidaki player and maker. She paints the yidaki he makes, often with Gulpu clan designs from her own clan. These designs sometimes featyre Witij the olive oython, djaykun the filesnake and gudurrku the brolga. At other times they are decorated with beautiful columns of diamonds, the scared miny’tji belonging to the Dhalwarju clan, representing the fresh warter system where their creation ancestor Barama emerged from the water.

Their yidaki are highly priced among collectors and players world-wide, being commonly referred to as some of the best works available. Djul’djul’s carvings are now becoming sought after by dealers and collectors for their fine attention to detail. Recently she has been producing worrwurr (owl’s) in collaboration with her sister Manany.