Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander cultures have many traditions about Hairy Men and Little People. This fantastic piece was painted by Indigenous artist Bernard Singleton Jnr.

Bernard was born in Cairns and raised in the Aboriginal community of Coen, Cape York. When he was a young boy, his mother, a Djabuguy woman and his father an Umpila/Yirrkandji man from Yarrabah mission taught him about fishing, hunting, sacred sites and cultural practices.

Bernard outlines his Hairy Man story: A story from my Grandparents (devoted Seventh Day Adventist Church members) who I recall always warning us to be careful when out in bush. As a timber cutter working on the timber reserve which bordered Black Mountain on Djabugay country (my Grandmother’s country).

We see the look of wonder on peoples faces when they hear this story as they must think how factual this legend of the rainforest must be, but then I also realise why we never are allowed to wave a burning stick around at night because … “it will bring Gwingun.”

My Grandparents said, “the Hairyman is a protector of the Rainforest keeping in line the mischievous little baldy man” who my Grandparents say were always fighting with each other. “Bagarra-la....from the rainforest, he looks after country and sacred places and only shows himself for a reason or else consider yourself very lucky to stumble upon him sitting in our rainforest creeks.”

Check-out Bernard’s amazing work on Instagram: @bernardleesingleton

We are always interested to learn more about Indigenous traditions of the Hairy Man. Share yours here!