Ku' by Garry Namponan
This hand-carved sculpture represents Ku' Warpung, the ancestral dog associated with the Apalech ceremonial group of Cape York Peninsula. Passed down through generations, the Ku’ holds deep cultural and spiritual meaning, symbolising transformation, identity, and language.
Crafted by senior artist Garry Namponan using traditional knowledge and contemporary carving techniques, this piece continues a lineage of sculpture dating back to the late 19th century. The story of Ku’ tells of an ancestral being who travelled from the Northern Territory, entered the Knox River, and became Nyiingkuchen, the Freshwater Shark. Each Ku’ embodies distinct colours, traits, and song cycles still honoured in cultural ceremonies today.
Sourced from Wik-Mungkan, Wik-Ngathan and Wik-Alken language groups, this sculpture is more than a work of art — it is a living story of Country and culture.
Includes a signed certificate of authenticity from Wik & Kugu Arts Centre.
Wik & Kugu Arts Centre
Wik & Kugu Arts in Aurukun is a place where traditional and contemporary cultural expr...
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