NORTHEAST ARNHEM LAND ·
NORTHERN TERRITORY
Yidaki DjamA
Cultural Immersion
An immersion into one of the oldest living cultures on Earth, the custodians of the Yidaki (DiDgeridoo)
This page includes images and references to people who have passed. We share them with respect, in the spirit in which this work is carried
The YolNGu People
Custodians of THE Yidaki (Digeridoo)
The Yolŋu people of Northeast Arnhem Land are one of the oldest continuous cultures on Earth. Their language, law, ceremony, and song remain unbroken.
The Yolngu people are the custodians of the Yidaki with North East Arhnem Land to be know as the first place for the ancient instrument to be made.
Yolŋu Country sits in a remote corner of the Northern Territory — a land of floodplains, monsoon forest, tidal rivers and red earth. Rich in its wildness. It is also land under pressure, as mining interests pursue the precious raw materials beneath it.
INTENTION
Yidaki Djama
Djama means ‘business’ in Yollnu Matha. Yidaki Djama is the making of a traditional Yidaki and this is the intention of the experience.
At the invitation of the late Old Man Djalu Gurruwiwi, Jesse brings small groups to be welcomed into community. The Djama is led by the Gurruwiwi family guiding and welcoming the group through the bush, finding and cutting trees hollowed out by termites, and once shaped, painted by the women.
Around this, life unfolds simply. Shared meals, songs and stories. Camping. Sunrise and sunset on the beach. Cooking by the fire. Time to be quiet, to reflect and connect.
Connection
Jesse & the Gurruwiwi Family
What began as an intuitive connection to the instrument naturally led to following the path to where it came from — and the people who are its custodians. Now, Jesse has been adopted and been visiting the Gurruwiwi family on their homeland for many years.
Jesse never sought out to lead groups, but was invited by the elders to bring others. It is a role he holds with deep reverence, as a bridge between culutres, in honour of what Old Man Djalu spent his life sharing - the healing powers of the Yidaki (Digeridoo).
Begin the conversation
Over the past years Jesse have facilitated men’s and mixed groups each around 10 people. Trips run May through August during the dry season.
Private groups are also welcome. If you have an established circle (e.g a men's group, a group of close friends) click below to connect.