Clapsticks are a percussive instrument used by members of the Jinibara to maintain rhythm during ceremony along with singing and chanting. They are struck against each other and are played by both men and women. The clapsticks are made with both a light and dark-coloured timber. These clapsticks are carved from Black Wattle by Jinibara Elder Uncle Noel.  

Each clapstick set produces a different sound. The flatter clapsticks have a lighter sound and are more prevalent and pronounced tone. You can change the tone when you clap on the flat or the edge. And it all depends on the rhythm of the song to get the right beat of the clapsticks. It’s up to you to determine the tempo. The thickness, width and how you hold the clapsticks create a different tune.

These clapsticks tell the story of the Jinibara’s country. The symbols carved on these clapsticks represent Native Bees, Witchetty Grubs, People Walking, Campsites, Walking Tracks and Water Holes with Running Water. At a length of 25cm. 

“The clapsticks were made with a lot of cultural and spiritual feelings for a special purpose. The clapsticks are very detailed and they took a fair while to do because painting requires patience and concentration, attention to detail and imagination and that’s what these clapsticks are about." - JInibara Elder Uncle Noel 

Own an authentic, Indigenous artefact created by the Jinibara people.