iDIDJ Australia Didgeridoo Cultural Hub

Here is video footage of Mandawuy Yunupingu from 2 days ago talking about Yothu Yindi, yidaki, intellectual property, and cultural heritage.

I was fortunate to have been given this interview as Mandawuy's health is quite bad at the moment and he needs specialist medical attention. But for anyone who knows anything about Mandawuy and his work, they would recognise a great Australian, a talented musician, and a tireless champion for Indigenous rights.

Here is the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QO0YNrDt7BY

This is such an insightful interview and many thanks for sharing it, Guan.

It is often very difficult for non-indigenous people to understand the 'long time' connection with a singular cultural heritage because our modern societal aspirations have taken us in vastly different directions. It is refreshing to hear Mandawuy's words and at least superficially begin to understand the connection to country and ancestry.

I hope Mandawuy's health improves.

Jason

It is a pleasure Jason. All thanks go to Mandawuy who graciously offered his time and his wisdom. I felt a bit bad asking him for this interview and he could easily have said no, but I promised I would get the message out and promote his message.

Guan

Then certainly convey my sincere thanks.

Thank for this interview!
I keep in mind this words..
I hope Mandawuy's health getting better...
Say greetings from hungary...
I will play tomorrow on my badikupa yirdaki all day long, respect for him and Aboriginal culture ...

Best regards for all in this discussions.
Szabolcs

Thanks Mandawuy Yunupingu and Guan,

This is most insightful and mind blowing, If I listen carefully! In all very, very intriguing. Guan please do correct me if I'm wrong. The Yidaki is the mother, the beginning of all things. This is where Mudawuy originates from and gives him his identity and surroundings. His (Yolngu people) care for the mother will ensure the next generation. Then this is a very deep relationship and not just an artefact one uses in ceremony like a tool. It's much, much more. Beyond expression and comprehension in our western way off seeing, feeling, thinking and believing, because it is the creator off all things...........................................LIVE!!!

Words are coming short and I'm deeply touched. Now I have an idea why things are so sensitive. This is what I call sharing, Mandawuy shares his hard, his mother with us.

Mandawuy Yunupingu ik dank je voor jou groote geest en open hart.

Hoop you will be better soon.

I actually found that comment very interesting, myself. But to clarify - he's not saying yidaki is the mother of everything. It is part of the complex of things that are HIS mother. Mandawuy's mother was from the Galpu clan, a sister of Mithinarri Gurruwiwi, famous artist whose offspring are well known to yidaki collectors - Watjuku, Manany and Djul'djul' Gurruwiwi, who are therefore Mandawuy's close cousins from his mother clan. Although the exact story is not public, he is very respectfully acknowledging that the Galpu, in this far northeast corner of Arnhem Land, hold special story of the first/most sacred yidaki.

There are many types of yidaki belonging to many clans. Many Yolngu often just say yidaki belongs to everyone. I was very touched to see Mandawuy's acknowledgement of his mother's clan's business.

Randin

Randin's correct there, when Mandawuy says yidaki is his Mother, it is because Mandawuy's mother's clan is Galpu, his mother being Mithanarri's sister. And Mithanarri was that great Galpu artist whose works can be found in many public and private collections of Australian Aboriginal art. Interesting fact that not many people know, but it was Mithinarri's art and the income he derived from it which helped put Galarrwuy Yunupingu through high school in Brisbane. Mithinarri was Galarrwuy's 'private uncle', meaning very close or biological uncle, and that sort of relationship is an especially strong one in Yolngu society. If it wasn't for Mithinarri's talent as an artist, land rights in the Northern Territory might not be what it is today.

Guan

Hi Radin and Gaun,

Thanks for clarifying this is most insightful and please for give me, my English or Australian English is not my first/native language as a Dutchy. So I have a hard time to express my self more distinctively. I can ensure you this is quite frustrating. Most of the time I really have to open my ears wide ooooooopen and concentrate like a Zen master to hear and understand what indigenous people are saying or how to interpret linguistic usage. Over time I hoop to develop a more linguistic feeling to understand and express my self!

I thank you both on sharing your fast knowledge.

Cheers,

Peter