Philip Denham
Philip Denham
Jawun
Lawyer Cane, 17 x 15 x 8cm, 2025
Girramay weavers, like Philip Denham are well known for their laywer cane bicornual baskets called Jawun and other traditional basket styles including Burrajingal (lawyer cane square-based baskets), gundala (lawyer cane coil baskets) and mindi (grass baskets). These lawyer cane and grass baskets are made using traditional methods, sourcing materials from the rainforest. They were an important part of everyday lives and were used to collect and carry bush food, babies, message sticks and many other objects.
Philip Denham is a Girramay man based in the Murray Upper region, North-West of Cardwell, Queensland. Philip creates work that reflects his cultural ties to Country. He is known for his exquisite, earthy toned Bigin (shields), Bagu (sculptures), Birrbu-Birrbu (cross boomerangs), weaving and painting. Philip is a Girramay language speaker. This knowledge was passed on by his parents, Andy and Daisy Denham, respected Elders of the area.