Tom Djäwa facts for kids

Tom Djäwa (also known as Djäwa Daygurrgurr) was an important Aboriginal Australian artist. He was born in 1905 and passed away on March 23, 1980. Djäwa was a master painter and sculptor. He created many artworks, like Murayana. He made art for over 30 years, using bark painting and wood sculptures. His art is now in museums and private collections around the world.

About Djäwa

Djäwa's parents were Narritjnarritj and Djambarrpuygu. His grandfather was Walamangu. Djäwa was born on Milingimbi Island in Central Arnhem Land, Australia. He belonged to the Yirritja moiety, which is a special group in Aboriginal culture.

When he was young, Djäwa lived on Elcho Island. This was before the Macassans, who were people from Indonesia, arrived there. A Macassan man named Captain Dg Gassing gave him the name Mangalay. Djäwa saw this as a very special event, like a baptism.

Djäwa's Art and Leadership

Djäwa was a leader for his clan, the Daygurrgurr. He spoke the Gupapuynu language. He also led all the Gapapuyngu clans. He became a leader in the early 1950s.

As a leader, Djäwa decided what art would be made in the camps he was in charge of. He invited other clan leaders to Milingimbi. He wanted them to join in "cultural activities" to make his leadership stronger. He led the Yolngu people at Milingimbi for about 30 years until he died.

Djäwa was good friends with Reverend Edgar Wells. Wells was a mission superintendent starting in 1949. They spent a lot of time together. They looked at art and talked about it at Wells' mission house. Wells' wife, Ann E. Wells, said that art helped the Milingimbi artists and Edgar Wells understand each other. Djäwa and Wells worked closely together until Djäwa's death.

Djäwa in Films and Music

Djäwa appeared in two film documentaries. These were Faces in the sun and Djalambu. They were made by Cecil Holmes in 1963 and 1964. In Djalambu, Djäwa re-enacted his father's Djalumbu ceremony.

Djäwa also loved music. He recorded songs with Alice Moyle, who studied music from different cultures. He was also featured in the song Moikoi Song. He played the clapsticks in this song. Sandra LeBrun Holmes, who was part of the Milingimbi Mission, recorded it in 1962. This song was even featured on the Voyager Golden Record.

Dancing for the Queen

In 1954, Djäwa and six other men traveled to Toowoomba. They performed a special ceremonial dance for Queen Elizabeth II of England. The Duke of Edinburgh was also there. Ann Wells said that Djäwa saw this trip as a "treasured and instructive journey into a new world." He learned a lot from it.

Where to See Djäwa's Art

Some of Djäwa's artworks are shown in these museum collections:

• National Gallery of Victoria
• National Museum of Australia
• Kluge-Ruhe Aboriginal Art Collection of the University of Virginia
• Art Gallery of New South Wales (Art Gallery NSW)

Art Shows Featuring Djäwa

Djäwa's art has been part of these exhibitions:

• The classic period: Arnhem Land barks from the 1960s–2000s, Aboriginal and Pacific Art, Waterloo, 5 March 2013 – 30 March 2013
• Art from Milingimbi: taking memories back, Art Gallery of New South Wales, Sydney, 12 November 2016 - 29 January 2017