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Hollow Logs
The bone coffin (hollow log) or Dupan is
used in the burying the deceased. Following Yolngu tradition,
the deceased is buried úntil the time is right'(about
one year). Thereafter the bones are dug up and crushed or
broken to ensure that the spirit of the deceased can do no
harm to or come after'a living person. The bones are then
wrapped in paper bark, pushed into the hollow log and either
left in the bush to decay or burnt. The bones of more than
one person (from the same family or clan) may be placed in
one bone coffin.
The bone coffin (hollow log) or Dupan is
used in the burying the deceased. Following Yolngu tradition,
the deceased is buried until the time is right'(about one
year). Thereafter the bones are dug up and crushed or broken
to ensure that the spirit of the deceased can do no 'harm'
to a living person. The bones are then wrapped in paper bark,
pushed into the hollow log and either left in the bush to
decay or
burnt. Due to the influence of missionaries and the Australian Legal System,
this practice is no longer officially performed. It may, however, still take
place in secret.
Micky Durrung - Log Coffins
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Sculpture
Carvings are most often made
from locally collected ‘Milkwood’ which is a
light, easy to carve medium. Animal totems, birds and Mokuy
or Spirit man figures are the most commonly used imagery
for these works. Didgeridoos (Yidaki) are also much sought
after by buyers.
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