111982268376

Published by on



Burlupurr – large dillybag

Burlupurr, or dilly bag, is a large woven collecting basket. These large bags are often made from the vine ‘Malasia scandens’, a strong pliable plant which grows along the floor and into the canopy of monsoon vine thickets. The bags are used to collect any kind of large numbers of heavy foods such as fish caught in conical fish traps or large collections of yams.

They can also be made from Pandanus spiralis, a plant which grows in many areas of Arnhem Land. These dilly bags are a tightly woven collecting basket, very finely made. These dilly bags are often used to collect sugarbag, the native honey 

As well as being of practical use, dilly bags are also of religious significance to Arnhem Land people. Dilly bags are said to be totemic objects and associated with particular sites in the landscape.

Name: Anthea Stewart


Language: Burarra (Martay)


Community: Maningrida


Biography:

Anthea Stewarts County is Jimardi Outstation, started weaving since she was about 11 years of age learning from her grandmother.

She is an accomplished weaver of An-gujechiya (Fish Trap), Burlupurr (Dilly bags) and earrings. Her weaving are recognisable wit strong bright bands of coloured Pandanus (pandanus) 

Whilst still a relatively young and emerging artist, Anthea demonstrates the skill and weaving precision of a senior weaver.


© the artist / art centre