How story dolls heal unspoken trauma

Content warning: This talk includes discussions on suicide and self-harm. 

Noongar textile artist Marcelle Riley shares her journey of healing after grief and loss.  

Initially turning to drugs and alcohol to cope, it was attending a doll-making workshop in Moora that finally healed Marcelle’s spirit. Her doll, Bibool Yok, helped her make connections to family, culture and country.  

Bibool Yok has carried Marcelle’s story around Australia.  

Marcelle continues to work in her community and beyond, helping others heal by making their own story doll. 

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx 

About the speaker 

Marcelle Riley was born in Moora and grew up in the small country town of Pingelly on her mother’s country, later moving to Narrogin with her father’s family.  

She sees the power of using Noongar culture as a way of healing, both for herself and for others. Her journey has taken Marcelle through highs and lows, and along the path she made her first story doll, which she named Bibool Yok (Paperbark Girl).  

Marcelle facilitates doll-making workshops all over Western Australia, using her skills in doll-making, weaving and eco-dyeing (dye made using the local vegetation). By telling stories through the dolls, participants find new ways to articulate their thoughts and feelings.