Ritual Sculpture collected from Aboriginal people in Cape York Peninsula has been recorded and collected as far back as 1888. The most significant early collection and recording of Aurukun sculpture was by Ursula McConnel, this collection now sits with the South Australian Museum.

The support by the Presbyterian Mission for ritual activity, such as initiations helped maintain selected elements of the language and cultural practices of the Wik and Kugu Region.

The introduction of a sawmill supported a transition to steel tools and new carpentry techniques which aided in the development of more complex and sophisticated sculptures of which we see today being made by the Art Centre’s male artists.

Over the past fifteen years, Wik & Kugu Art Centre and its artists have developed a following for its signature sculptural the Ku’ (dog).

The Story Place of the Ku’ associated with the Apalech ceremonial group is located in the south of the Wik and Kugu region at Eeremangk near the mouth of the Knox River.

This story links the land and the sea and is a tale of transformation where the Ku’ (Ancestral being or totem), who had travelled from the distant Northern Territory to Cape York Peninsula, leaves the land, enters Knox River and becomes Nyiingkuchen, the Freshwater Shark.

This story also tells how Ku’ gave language to the region. Each Dreamtime dog has its name, its colours and its qualities of character.

The Ku’ song cycles and dances are still performed at house opening ceremonies today.

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Lex Namponan is the 2nd youngest of eight children born to Angus Namponan and Chrissie Peemuggina. From his father they have the totems that include Bush Rat, Freshwater Shark, Spear, Small Carpet Snake, Salmon, Knee and Single-barb Hardwood Spear. Lex also shares other totems that are associated with the the Wik-Alkenh language and belong to the Apalech ceremonial group.

Lex’s father’s country is at Warpang, just inland from Cape Keerweer. His mother’s was from enjoining country of Aayk, her language being Wik-Ngathan.

Anagus Namponan was prominent as a caver at Aurukun and, as sometimes happens in Wik society, his sons who have followed in his footsteps.

Lex’s Camp Dogs are a secular subject and as such belong to an innovative class of Wik sculptures that have been developing in relation to the art and craft markets for some decades.

Lex is the younger brother of Garry, Leigh, Bevan and older brother to Leo all of who are established and emerging carvers with the Wik and Kugu Arts Centre.

Lex Namponan is the 2nd youngest of eight children born to Angus Namponan and Chrissie Peemuggina. He is from the Wik-Alken language group who are part of the Apalech Clan’s ritual complex. Lex’s sculptural practices belong to an innovative class of Wik artists that have been developing in relation to the art and craft markets for some decades. His work is showcased around the country and held in many national and international collections.