Djalu Gurruwiwi

Date of Birth - c. 1937
Moiety - Dhuwa
Homeland - Ngaypinya
Clan - Gälpu
Clan language - Dhangu

To the worldwide community of didjeridu players, collectors and enthusiasts, Djalu Gurruwiwi needs no introduction. Renowned as 'the best' craftsman, his yidaki are revered for their exceptional qualities. For years he has had many visitors coming to Arnhem Land to learn from him privately, and he has also led the yidaki Master Class at the Garma Festival every year since its inception. He has travelled to Germany, the USA, the Middle East and Asia to provide yidaki demonstrations and tuition.

Djalu is also distinguished from other yidaki makers as he is also a painter whose works on bark are held in major museums and collections in Australia and around the world. Djalu talks about his father having a yidaki with him at all times. When out turtle hunting in a dug out canoe, Djalu recalls his father signaling the capture of a turtle by blowing horn tones on the yidaki to the rest of the family on the beach who would then prepare a big fire oven.Djalu often says how he blows his spirit into each instrument he makes, and sends it out around the world to spread the power of the yidaki.

Amongst his own people Djalu maintains his prominence as a yidaki master, talented artist, ceremonial leader and senior lawman for the Gälpu.