Kulap Shaker - Child

Michael van Hooren is a Torres Strait Islander man, with family ties to the Maluligal and Meriam Nations, through his Mother and Father, respectively. Spending most of his youth on Eastern Kuku Yalanji Country, Michael now resides and works in Gimuy on Yidinji Country. Michael is also a very proud Father of two beautiful girls and the owner of ‘TSI Kulaps’, a small business where he hand makes Kulaps or Gorr, the shakers used in Torres Strait Islander dance.

Michael made his very first Kulap/Gorr with the guidance of his Father at the age of 9, by using recycled material and Kulaps that had washed up on the beach. Michael believes that culture is a very important part of a person's life and can be a source of great strength. He also understands that ‘To preserve culture, we must continue to create it’