 About
M&J Aboriginality
M&J
Aboriginality is a family business based in Babinda, a small town
situated about 70 kilometres south of Cairns. Surrounded by
lush tropical rainforest, Babinda has the splendid Mount Bartle
Frere as a backdrop, adding to its charm and attraction. At
1622 metres, Mount Bartle Frere, is the highest mountain in
Queensland.
Our
business involves the whole family. Pictured at left is Mat and Judy, our daughter
Keisha, and son, Sani.
Judy is of Australian Aboriginal descent,
her heritage originating from the Kuku Yalanji people on her Father's
side, whose traditional land includes the Cooktown and Rossville
areas to the north of Cairns. Her Mother's people traditionally occupied the Cape
Melville area near Princess Charlotte Bay, approximately 160
kilometres further north from Cooktown.
In our
business we make traditional Didgeridoos as well as an assortment of other
Aboriginal artefacts, such as boomerangs. These genuine, hand-made works of art are offered for sale as distinctive souvenirs
to the numerous visitors who come to our area each year. Judy
signs all her artwork with the name "Ngamu Kari". Ngamu Kari
is her Grandfather's name, and she was given permission by her uncle to
use it to identify her unique products. The name means "no
mother" because her Grandfather grew up without a Mother.
Pictured above is the main street of
Babinda and a view of Mount Bartle Frere from the main
highway leading back to Cairns.
In recent
years, there has been a substantial, world wide upsurge of interest
in indigenous culture. While we have many internationally
famous natural attractions in our immediate area, such as the World
Heritage Listed Great Barrier Reef and Wet Tropics Rainforests, many
overseas visitors coming to Australia are now also seeking to
experience traditional Aboriginal culture.
We at M&J Aboriginality offer just such an
experience, a close encounter with Australian Aboriginal culture
that will be joyfully remembered and recounted to friends and family
back home for years to come. A visit to our home and workshop
facilities offers
the unique opportunity to be involved in creating your own
Didgeridoo, with the help of one of our family members, painting and
burning it with authentic Aboriginal designs, and then taking a
lesson on how to play it. As well, you can join Mat in a lesson on how to throw a
Boomerang, and even make it come right back to you.
Our son,
Sani,
although quite young, is proficient at
playing the Didgeridoo, much to the delight of our visitors. You can
listen to a 30 second sound clip of Sani playing by clicking on the
Didgeridoo below.
Click on the Didgeridoo to hear the
unique and original Australian sound.
When you visit Australia, Mat, Judy, Kiesha and Sani
would love to welcome you to M&J Aboriginality at Babinda. Not
only can a visit to Far North Queensland include the wonders of our
nearby reef and rainforest attractions, but also the enjoyable
experience of being involved in ancient Aboriginal culture and art. We look forward to greeting you.
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