Joe Ngallametta

Kugu Muminh/Kugu Uwanh
b.1945

Joe Ngallametta is a senior Kugu Elder from the Wanam ceremonial group. He was born in 1945 and his country lies between the Kendall and Holroyd River region, south of Aurukun in west Cape York. As a senior custodian and song man, Ngallametta has travelled interstate and overseas for cultural performances. It has only been in recent years that Ngallametta has been focusing on his carving. Although an accomplished weapon carver, he is better known for his Thap yongk (Law poles). The Thap yongk are used only for ceremonial purposes on special occasions in the Aurukun community.

Ngallametta is an active member of the Cape York Community Council and is concerned that the correct cultural protocols be followed in Cape York communities. He is dedicated to the rejuvenation of culture in Aurukun, particularly for the sake of the young children in the area. Ngallametta was a ranger in Aurukun for many years — he would take groups, often of school children, through the country, passing on knowledge of food, survival and medicine from the bush.

The artist’s links to the land, his people and his ancestors are central to his work. When asked about the designs on the Thap yongk, he said ‘I paint the way which was left for me to paint. I can’t say why the designs are this way, that’s just the way it is’.

 All artists

  See also . . .

Learn about Thap yongk (Law poles).
Learn about the community of Aurukun.
Joe Ngallametta references.