How to make traditional matjka-wuma (string figures)
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Age: 7+ years.
Making objects or animals with nothing but hands and string is an activity that traces well back into history throughout the world!
Many Aboriginal groups traditionally made patterns or designs on the hands with a loop of string. The Yolŋu people of Yirrkala in the Northern Territory call them ‘matjka-wuma’, some Mob in North Queensland call string figures ‘kamai’, and ‘wame’ is the word used for string figures in the Torres Strait.
Watch our First Nations staff make traditional string figures such as ‘weitj djen’ (emu foot) from Balardung Country in Western Australia.
weitj djen (emu foot) string figure
Noongar language from Balardung Country, Western Australia.
Download the step-by-step activity instruction sheet.
rlangga (billabong) string figure
Ngalakgan language from Warndarrang Country, Northern Territory.
Download the step-by-step activity instruction sheet.
kardra (yam) string figure
Yandruwandha language from Innamincka Country (region of north-east South Australia).
