Roy Wiggan is a senior Bardi man who is the custodian of many traditional stories and songs of his people. He is the only member of his community entitled to make new ilma, rare, hand-held ceremonial objects which allow Bardi people to learn and access their stories, law and songs.

The reverence in which ilma are held meant that traditionally they were not sold. Wiggan made the decision to sell his work commercially, in the hope that the ilma will be preserved for future generations through the Western art and museum system. His first solo exhibition was held at William Mora Galleries in 2002.

Most of Roy's ilma designs come to him through the spirit of his deceased father, Henry Wiggan, who skippered the Sunday Island Mission lugger. Indeed, there is whole series of dances based on the life and adventures of Henry Wiggan.

The designs of this ilma revolve around an epic saga in Henry's life when he was washed out into the Indian Ocean on a broken raft. He survived for three days before freak tides and spirits carried him back to Sunday Island.