With their radically unique appearance, and occupying a liminal space between painting, sculpture and performance objects, Roy Wiggan’s ilma are amongst the most original artworks made in Australia. Beautifully crafted using painted plywood, nails, thread and cotton, the ilma are rare hand-held objects that were used in traditional dances and ceremonies by the Bardi people in North-Western Australia. Roy Wiggan, an elder of his community and custodian of many sacred Bardi stories, decided to create these beautiful objects to preserve the ilma for future generations.