Kabi Kabi man Fred Embrey made the wooden sculpture now held by QAGOMA at Manumbar, around 1935. A genre of figurative carving without equal in south-east Queensland, Djan’djari figure 1930s is a rare object of national significance.

The figure is made from a softwood and represents Djan’djari, mischievous little spirits who live in the forest in Kabi Kabi Country. Kabi Kabi men also made shields from softwood that are somewhat similar in size and proportion, with the Djan’dari being 65.5cm in height. 

Embrey is remembered as a songman, composer and choreographer, and as a key leader and Miva (man of knowledge) at Cherbourg. He was perhaps amongst the last of the Kabi Kabi men to be initiated, and his deep knowledge of customary Kabi Kabi practices has informed his sculptural work.
 

The history of Djan’djari figure appears to be unclear between Embrey’s death in 1939 and 1946, when it is said to have been purchased by a visitor to the Cherbourg Show. It is representative of the genre of sculpture produced by Embrey in the 1930s, with only two other known works: two Djan’djari figures held by the Queensland Museum. Further, it appears to be derived from the figures placed along the pathway between the two rings that formed the bora grounds used for initiation ceremonies.

Fred Embrey’s descendants derive enormous pride from the fact they understand these to be ‘the last traditional carvings from south-east Queensland’.¹ They recall their mother, Penny Bond, saying that the figures moved about and made noises in the house. 

Yabva’s figures represented the Djan’djari — the ‘little hairy men’ or ‘forest spirits’. Djan’djari are a very important part of our culture and history. Our stories describe them as hairy people who taught our people to make fire, nets, traps and most importantly: teaching us how to share. I was told that these Djan’djaris were ancient people who existed before we were on this land.²