iDIDJ Australia Didgeridoo Cultural Hub

Just heard this morning that Hudson Gurruwiwi passed away, a lovely old man with a wicked sense of humour. Again, a case of neglect and alcohol taking its toll.

I've got a clip of Hudson on YouTube, he's singing in the evening with Alfred, Jason, Djalu and Minyapa:



RIP mari,

Guan

A small tribute video:



In order of appearance: Gary Dhurrkay, Milkay, Yomunu, Dhugurun, Joshua, George Rrurrambu, Nicky Yunupingu, Sylvester Gurruwiwi, Alfred Gurritjiri, Frank Garawirrtja, Hudson Gurruwiwi.

Guan

RIP Hudson and all the others... somewhere over the rainbow !

Excellent video Guan, as I told you on YouTube : both great and sad.

I've got a question still...
What about that name and picture taboo on the deceased ?
At first I thought that the mourning period was over for those on the video... but if Hudson is shown on it then it can't be the case.
I know that no one knows this better that you do around here, so it is no accusation nor anything else... just questioning.
Has that "rule" changed to adapt to new technologies ?
Is it just a Yolngu-to-Yolngu rule that Balanda (no matter how close to Yolngu) do not have to follow ?
Is the "loving memory" stronger than the "taboo rule" ?
Any clue ?

Hi Francis,

The taboo on the name I've written about at length somewhere, was it here on the Forum? Basically, the name of the deceased is not uttered verbally so that the spirit of the deceased does not linger around, which it might do if it hears its name. There's more to it than that, but that's the basic idea.

The picture taboo... it isn't so much a taboo but can cause distress to families who see images of the deceased. But the video was done for families in Arnhem Land and not for the general public or the didgeridoo community... I had many requests from up north for pics of Hudson and it cost me a bit to send by mobile phone using the multimedia attachment facility. And then came requests for pics of other deceased family members. By uploading to YouTube, it saves me a lot of time rather than sending pics to individual phones.

Guan

Thanks for your answer Guan, I knew you had good reasons

Got this msg thru Facebook from my mum Lisa, sister of Gary, Yomsie, and George, niece of Alfred and Hudson:

"Wat can i say! WOW....!!! Murrnginy dhangu video waku. I cried when i watched it tru god! DHAPIRRK..! Did u make that?"

I cried too making it, it is supposed to be a celebration of life so I guess they were happy tears.

Guan

Hey Francis,

We posted at almost exactly the same time, weird!

Anyway, checked out Facebook today, one could spend a LOT of time there without doing anything constructive. I suppose it has its merits but I can't afford to waste time these days... Will give it another shot another day...

Guan

It's beautiful Guan and you were not alone shedding tears.
Peace,

great Guan! thanx!

good memories i have of most of these men, all amazing and good people... incredible they all passed away so recently... has it been the last 3 years?