Spider Kalbybidi

Spider Kalbybidi

Born: c. 1928 – 2008
Language Group: Yulparija
Region: Unjada

Spider Kalbybidi was a revered senior law man from the Western Desert. His full sister is Alma (Kalaju) Webou, and fellow artist Weaver Jack also referred to him as Brother. Born near the Canning Stock Route at Unjada, Spider was initiated into manhood at Naru. In the late 1960s, he walked from the desert near Well 33 to Bidyadanga with other Yulparija people, whose land was under threat from severe drought.

Spider was a formidable cultural figure, having been initiated through a series of ceremonies in the Great Sandy Desert during World War II. He possessed powers that are difficult to translate into English or a Western worldview—the ability to move invisibly across the country, heal maladies, and communicate with spirits.

Highly respected among his people, Spider was known for his extensive knowledge of bush culture.

In 2008, Spider disappeared, walking back into the desert, and is deeply missed.

His works are included in collections at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) and the Art Gallery of Western Australia.