Badikupa Gurruwiwi

Date of Birth - 19.03.1942
Moiety - Dhuwa
Homeland - Ngaypinya
Clan - Gälpu
Clan Language - Dhangu

Badikupa is a close friend, fellow clan leader and classificatory father of our most famous craftsman, Djalu' Gurruwiwi. This is because he is Djalu's father Monyu's younger brother. Monyu and Badikupa had the same father but different mothers. Younger than his better known "son," Badikupa learned a great deal from Djalu' about yidaki, as he says below. Their crafting methods are similar, and they both value the large and powerful sound that represents many things for their Gälpu clan. Badikupa tells his own story as follows.

I was born at Yarrkanga in the Wessel islands. As a small child I remember shifting to Galiwin'ku (Elcho island) with my mother and father. I went to the missionary school there and when I was about 16 I got my first job clearing grass and trees by hand. I also cut wood for the construction of houses.

When I was about 17 I helped with the construction of boats and became a crew member for fishing trips. I learnt how to sail and would go netting fish around Galiwin'ku. Sometimes I would sail down to Rorruwuy and as far west as Gapuwiyak.

I also worked as a carpenter, a plumber and an electrician. Back in those days we were paid about 1 or 2 pounds for a week's work. I got good memories, it was manymak (good) life.

About his yidaki and his trademark artwork, seen to the right, Badikupa says,

As an older man, I began making yidaki and learnt a lot from Djalu. I make yidaki the old style. I was taught the miny'tji (linework) by Yalkiriwuy #1. The miny'tji refers to the thunderclouds that build during the wet season. The rows of dots refer to Wititj - the rainbow snake - where us Gälpu get our knowledge and power of yidaki from.

We got dharrwa manikay (lots of songs - refering to the Gälpu clan). My role is a singer in bunggul.

Trust in yidaki.

Badikupa moved back to Galiwin'ku a couple of years ago, so we do not have his instruments as often as we used. He does still fly in with a batch every couple of months, so check with us if you're interested in yidaki from this friendly and talented man.