Dadikwakwa-kwa – Doll Shells by Janelle Mamarika

Dadikwakwa-kwa – Doll Shells by Janelle MamarikaDadikwakwa kwa Doll Shells "Dolls shells theyre not just shells, they got spirits inside them. You can talk to them; they can answer us back. Its like a dream, they answer, and it is very strong. But you have to believe them and trust them. They keep everything for us knowledge, stories and meaning. The doll shells tell stories, so its not forgotten. Just a couple of the old ladies remember doll shells now, not many (but) its still happening, and we

Dadikwakwa-kwa – Doll Shells

"Dolls shells they’re not just shells, they got spirits inside them. You can talk to them; they can answer us back. It’s like a dream, they answer, and it is very strong. But you have to believe them and trust them. They keep everything for us – knowledge, stories and meaning.

The doll shells tell stories, so it’s not forgotten. Just a couple of the old ladies remember doll shells now, not many (but) it’s still happening, and we are giving doll shells life back. It’s coming back to life now and it’s going to be like that forever, our future. " - Noeleen Lalara

 The Doll Shell project emerged from a request from Manchester Museum to return cultural material in late 2022, a collection that included Doll Shells. During consultations, it was revealed that Doll Shells only existed in the living memory of four female elders who confirmed that Doll Shells have not been seen or created in over 50 years. The women of Anindilyakwa Arts were moved by the stories of the Doll Shells and decided to revive the unique Anindilyakwa art practice.